Seahunter

You must arrive at least one night prior to the departure date.

Costa Rica has two international airports. For optimum convenience, we recommend that you fly directly to San José (SJO) rather than the more distant Liberia International Airport.

Pack lightly since you will be dressing for warm tropical weather. Please check with your airline for weight allowances and baggage policies. Airlines have ever-changing baggage limitations that can affect divers and photographers, so always check for updates on regulations.

Currently, Costa Rican customs places no limitation upon entering the country with personal equipment such as diving gear, cameras and video equipment or even computers meant for personal use. However, we do recommend that if you are carrying excessive amounts of equipment or professional gear, you simply declare that gear to customs.

All passengers must have a valid passport to enter Costa Rica. Most U.S., Canadian, EU and Japanese citizens do not require a visa. If in doubt we recommend checking with the nearest Costa Rican consulate to see if you will need a visa.

Please note, if you are traveling to Costa Rica from some South American countries then you will need to have a yellow-fever vaccination prior to traveling in order to enter Costa Rica.

Upon arrival in San Jose, you may take a taxi to your hotel. There are always taxis available at the airport and minivans for those of you who have a lot of gear. We can also arrange for your airport pickup as well as for accommodations at several fine hotels in San Jose. The night before departure, an Undersea Hunter/Fiesta Tours representative will inform you at your hotel of your precise pickup time for transport to our dock and your awaiting vessel. Please note that we only pick up from a set list of San Jose hotels to go down to the vessels. The evenings on shore are at your leisure. Hotel nights and meals before and after the cruise are not included in the charter.

Please note that we only pick up from a set list of San Jose hotels to go down to the vessels. On the day of departure to Cocos, generally between 8 AM and 1 PM, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred by Fiesta Tours to Puntarenas, the seaport village where you will board the vessel. The drive takes about 3 hours, including a stop on the way for a snack or lunch. The price of this meal is not included in your trip package. The ride will give you an opportunity to view some of the lush tropical forests and rich farmlands of the region.

At the end of your Cocos adventure, you will usually disembark the boat at 8 AM and be transferred back to your hotel in San Jose. The transfer takes approximately 2 hours, give or take.

If, for some reason, you should need travel to or from Puntarenas, other than the by the transport offered by the Undersea Hunter Group, a taxi service is, of course, available. The cost of independent transportation can run in excess of $100 one-way.

While you are here in Costa Rica, it is certainly worth the extra time to experience some of the other aspects of our little country that truly make it a natural wonderland. Active volcanoes, white water rafting, zip-line tours, mountain biking, pristine jungles, coffee plantations, horseback riding, visits to craft centers and of course some of the most beautiful beaches in the world are among the activities and destinations available to you here. After all, you’ve come this far! We would be happy to arrange one-day tours or longer trips to more remote areas, at your request. Only Costa-Rican approved companies recommended by USHG will operate these tours.

Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken within regions associated with tourism.

Colones are the national currency, with $1 US equal to approximately ¢545 (colones) as of June 2014. International credit cards and US dollars are widely accepted in regions associated with tourism.

Hotels and banks will exchange US Dollars for Costa Rican colones. US dollars as well as Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted on the vessels. We cannot accept personal checks or travelers checks onboard.

We recommend checking the CDC’s website for the latest health news and information

We strongly recommend staying one night after the return to land, in case of any unforeseen delays.

There is currently a departure tax of $29 US as of October 2017.

Cocos Island presents the same diving challenges as any other Pacific, Indian, or Red Sea diving location. Cocos, however, is not recommended for inexperienced divers because it is an open ocean destination that requires advanced open water diving skills.

Please note, the minimum required level of certification to dive at Cocos is Open Water with the Specialty of Deep Diver. We also recommend having a minimum of 25 hours of diving experience.

Most dives are at depths deeper than 60 feet / 18 meters. At Cocos currents and visibility can be entirely different in just a few hours. Please note, the dive guide will always be the final authority as to whether a passenger can do any specific dive.

Most of the action is at 60-90 feet /18-27 meters, and most dives are between 60-130 feet / 18-40 meters. The safety limit is set at 130 feet / 40 meters and a dive computer is necessary. Visibility averages 60-100ft/18-30m.

Average temperature is 79 F to 84 F (26 C to 29 C), although it can be a few degrees lower under the occasional thermocline.

All divers must bring proof of certification by a national certifying agency. The certification must allow the diver to dive to the recreational dive limit of 130 feet (40 meters). The Dive Master will request to see your certification before you are allowed to dive. If you are certified for Nitrox and rebreathers as well, then remember to also bring those certifications.

To increase safety and bottom time while maintaining safe non-decompression dives the use of Nitrox is recommended. The vessel offers full onboard TDI training in Nitrox, with rental of Nitrox computers. Nitrox fills are free for Nitrox certified divers.

Please check directly with our office if you are bringing a rebreather with you. We can supply you with tanks, scrubber material and any further assistance you need, and can provide you with the costs of these items.

Please note, at this time we are no longer teaching the rebreather course and we do not have any units available to rent. Check for further rebreather information on this website at PRICES & SCHEDULES – Rental Gear

When all passengers are boarded, the vessel will take 32-36 hours to reach Cocos Island. Crossings are normally calm, but to prevent motion sickness we advise you to take the necessary precautions. At the conclusion of your trip, we will return to Puntarenas where a bus will be waiting to return you to your San Jose hotel.

You will need the following gear: 5-7 mm wetsuit, mask, fins, snorkel, regulator with visible pressure gauge, a mandatory dive computer, buoyancy compensator, depth gauge, dive gloves, weight belt (without weights), a dive light, and dive watch. It is recommended that you mark each piece of gear with waterproof paint or tape. We suggest you put all or most of the above items in a carry-on bag. There is ample storage space for your diving equipment, including your own personal locker.

We provide you with weights for your weight belt: 2, 3, 4, and 6 lbs. (1, 1.5, 2 and 3 kilos). We also provide you with air or Nitrox tanks — 80 cubic ft. aluminum (12 liters).

Please note, our tanks are standard yoke (INT), not DIN. Please notify our offices in advance if you need an adaptor.

You can rent a complete line of ScubaPro dive gear: BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, fins, snorkel, and Aladin Nitrox dive computers.

We have a limited supply of 15 Liter steel tanks. If you would like to rent one, make sure to reserve it well ahead of time.

The menu aboard offers a delicious combination of International and local cuisine. Meals are varied and well balanced, and we also offer delicious snacks between dives. Food is abundant with plenty of fresh tropical fruit and salads and is served buffet style. Please let us know of any special dietary needs or requests, but try to be lenient, as storage and preparation space is limited.

Soft drinks: Free, Bottle of wine: $15 – $35.

Hard liquor is not available onboard but our guests are welcome to bring their own, which should be purchased prior to boarding.

We recommend casual and cool cotton attire while on board. Nights can be chilly and/or drizzly so bringing a sweater, light jacket or windbreaker is recommended. In San Jose dress is slightly more conservative, like long jeans and collared shirts. For women, we recommend holding off wearing shorts and beach type clothing till you are aboard the vessel. We suggest packing in a soft duffel bag for easy luggage storage. Booties or hiking shoes are recommended if you want to visit the island.

We will usually make one or two visits to the island itself during a trip.

The Argo, and Sea Hunter crews consist of a unique combination of talents, offering the ultimate in service. The Undersea Hunter has a crew of seven, while the Sea Hunter and the Argo have a crew of eight. The divemasters, deckhands, and skiff drivers make sure you have the best possible diving adventure, while the chef and steward prepare delicious meals and take care of all your needs on board.

The vessels maintain constant radio contact in the event of any emergency. Your family and friends can contact our office at telephone: +506-2228-6535. We are happy to let family and friends know how you are when they call our office.

Our main office is open 9.00 – 17.00 Costa Rican time Monday – Friday (except for national holidays). Outside of those hours, our emergency contact number is +506-8735-2392 (please leave a message if necessary).

Please understand, however, that you will be in a remote area and it is preferable that personal communications to the boat be limited to emergency use only. We also now keep a satellite phone on board, which costs $3.50 per minute.

Cocos Island is now equipped with a cellular phone tower, as well as a public phone. When in closer proximity to the Island at certain locations (assuming your cell phone works in Costa Rica), it is possible to use your cellular phone services, but keep in mind, it is still an international call. Do keep in mind that in general, it is difficult to get a good signal at the island.

The vessels have both 110 and 220 volts ac. The cabins have 110 volts ac only.

The vessels have standard US and European sockets (but not British style sockets).

There is a variety of nightly entertainment available onboard: slide shows, DVDs, music, games, and much more. Please feel free to bring along your favorites.

Since it is customary to tip crew members, many people ask us what tip amount is appropriate. This is a very personal decision, as tips are your way of expressing satisfaction. Generally, the tip is given to the captain who distributes it equally amongst the crew. Please note that we do not dictate or include tips.

We have a well-equipped first aid kit including oxygen on-board. You should bring anti-seasickness medicine and ear drops if you feel you will need them.

Please inform us and especially the dive guides if you are taking medication or suffer from allergies.

Life rings are located on either side of the boat, and life jackets for all passengers are located in the lockers on both sides of the sun deck. Fire extinguishers are located in the hallways leading to your cabins. Emergency exit from the aft passenger cabins is possible through an overhead hatch above the doors of cabins 7 and 8. The emergency exit for the forward passenger area is through a door in cabin 4 and up the stairs in the engine room.

The nearest Re-compression Chamber is in the capital of Costa Rica, San Jose, about 36 hours sailing from Cocos, the implications of which are obvious.

Smoking is strictly prohibited throughout the boat, each boat has a designated location on the sundeck if one wishes to smoke.

Conscious Breath Adventures strongly recommends each guest purchase comprehensive accident, medical, baggage and trip cancellation/interruption insurance. Trip insurance will protect you from financial disappointment if you are prevented from making your scheduled trip due to unforeseen illness, delays in transit, or in the event that unforeseen circumstances prevent the vessel from making its scheduled trip. In an event where it is necessary to cancel or interrupt a charter due to weather or any matter beyond the control of the servicing vessel and therefore Conscious Breath Adventures, there will be no refund or credit issued. We also recommend diving accident insurance, which provides coverage while snorkeling and will cover evacuation costs in the event of an emergency. One important note: some travel insurance companies cover snorkeling in their policies. Read your policy carefully, if snorkeling is a covered activity then additional dive insurance may not be necessary. See www.CSATtravelProtection.com; www.TravelGuard.com; www.DiversAlertNetwork.org; www.DiveAssure.com.

In the Dominican Republic, the currency is the Dominican Peso, but U.S. dollars and credit cards are widely accepted. Unless you will be staying in the Dominican Republic for an extended visit, it is not necessary to exchange U.S. dollars to pesos. Be sure to know the currency exchange rate before arriving. Once aboard, cash US$ and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) can be used to pay vessel-related costs such as crew gratuity; while cash is needed to pay Conscious Breath Adventures-related costs such as merchandise.

Expenses related to the M/V Sea Hunter, such as gratuity, fuel surcharge, and purchases from the onboard ship’s store can be paid via cash U.S. dollars or with Visa, MasterCard or American Express. Expenses related to Conscious Breath Adventures, such as photo & video discs or CBA apparel, can be paid via cash U.S. dollars or Dominican pesos, or by personal checks drawn on U.S banks.

Our port of embarkation for your journey to the Silver Bank is the Cofresi Beach area a few miles west of the gateway city of Puerto Plata on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. We sail from Ocean World Marina, the only full-service marina on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. A tourist destination featuring an adventure park, restaurant and casino, Ocean World Marina is where your transportation will deliver you to board the vessel on Saturday afternoon, and where you will disembark at the end of your adventure.

It is anticipated that all passengers will arrive in the Dominican Republic by air. In Puerto Plata, the Gregorio Luperon International Airport (airport code POP) is closest to the Ocean World Marina. Transport from the airport to Cofresi should take about 30 minutes, less to area hotels. Another option is Cibao International Airport, located in Santiago (airport code STI). Transport from Santiago to Cofresi is about 90 minutes. Be advised that since airfares and flight times can vary significantly between POP and STI, you should investigate both options keeping in mind the differences in costs for ground transportation. Other international airports are available but will add significantly to surface travel time and expense, be sure of where your airport is located relative to the marina.

Guests board the vessel Saturday afternoon at 5:00pm. We recommend that if you will be flying from, or connecting through, any airport that may be affected by winter weather, or are arriving from outside of North America, you should consider arriving at least one day before embarkation, on Friday or before. This will allow time to overcome any delays in travel or baggage issues that may occur en route. Unfortunately, due to the specialized nature of this itinerary we can not delay the vessel’s departure due to travel related issues.

You are required to have a valid passport and have proof of return or onward ticket. Depending upon your citizenship, you might also be required to obtain a visa. Please contact your local Embassy or Consulate for your destination. US citizens do not need a visa but do need to travel with passports that are valid for 6 months after your departure date. Please see below about the required tourist card.

Visitors who do not obtain a Dominican visa prior to entry must purchase a tourist card upon arrival to enter the country. Tourist cards cost $10 U.S., which must be paid in cash (US dollars). Tourist cards are purchased at Dominican airports at the time of entry. Tourist cards normally permit a legal stay of up to 60 days. Customs formalities are usually quick and trouble free. Tourists are allowed personal articles for use during their stay. These include items of personal adornment, apparel, toiletries and portable articles that someone can reasonably be expected to use during their stay.

The Dominican Republic is a major tourist destination, and the north coast areas of Puerto Plata, Playa Dorada, Cabarete and Sosua abound with all levels of accommodation. A brief search of internet travel search engines will quickly yield dozens of options. We are happy to offer suggestions, please feel free to contact us for more information regarding accommodations.

Once in the DR, guests have two options for ground transportation: local cab or pre-arranged transfer. For small parties of 2-3, local taxis are efficient and cost-effective. At the airport, assertive but polite porters will, with your permission, help you to the curbside where professional taxis stand by. Gratuities of a dollar a bag for the porter are appreciated. Taxi fares to all popular destinations are clearly posted at the taxi stand.

Another option is to pre-arrange a transfer through a transportation company. In this case, a uniformed driver will identify himself by holding a sign with your name on it. The van will then carry you to your destination. This can be very economical for groups of 3 guests or more. Our staff is happy to help you coordinate the most efficient and cost-effective means of ground transfer, contact us for further assistance.

Any ship’s store purchases aboard the M/V Sea Hunter, equipment rental fees, and email or phone charges must be settled onboard using cash or credit cards prior to departure. In addition, Conscious Breath Adventures (CBA) offers video and photo compilations documenting your week on the Silver Bank for sale, as well as souvenir t-shirts. Acceptable methods of payment for CBA merchandise include U.S. Dollars, Traveler’s Checks, and personal checks drawn from US banks but no credit cards. Crew gratuities are not included and can be paid to the vessel by cash or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) but cash is strongly preferred as a significant percentage is deducted from credit card payments for processing expenses. As a guideline a gratuity of 10% of the fare is customary.

Once the vessel leaves the marina there is no internet access available. The vessel does have a proprietary satellite e-mail system but there is no web-browsing capability. If guests would like to have email access, for a fee they can set up an onboard account to send and receive text-only communications but it is not possible to check personal accounts such as _@gmail.com, _@hotmail.com, _@yahoo.com, etc.

Cell phone service might be available to you when you are ashore in the Dominican Republic. Check your carrier’s plan and be sure to turn off international roaming services to avoid hefty charges. You may have service ashore but there is NO CELL PHONE service once we leave the marina. The vessel is equipped with satellite-based phone and email for emergency communications.

WE RECOMMEND BRINGING AS MANY OF THESE ESSENTIALS IN YOUR CARRY-ON BAGGAGE AS POSSIBLE

Passport: be sure to check the expiration date when placing a reservation
Prescription medications/medical supplies: (There are no pharmacies on the Silver Bank; carry essential medicines in your carry-on baggage on the plane.)
Snorkel
Mask
Fins
Bathing suit
Wet Suit: (2mm – 3mm should keep you warm enough unless you are sensitive to cold)

Humpback whale season is late winter to early spring and the weather may be cool and windy during the passage of stronger cold fronts, but the coral formations throughout the area provide us with plenty of protection from rough seas while at the mooring. Once moored, the movement of the vessel is minimal. The nights are cool, around 70F – 75F (21C – 24C) but during the day the temperature can warm to 85F (30C). Days are generally sunny to partly cloudy, rain is uncommon but possible during fronts. The water temperature ranges from 72F -80F (22C-26C). Please note that sanctuary rules prohibit any whale watching activities from the tenders when winds exceed 25mph.

Attire aboard is tropical casual, with the only dressier occasion being the final Friday night when guests dine ashore, but even that evening is casual. Below is a suggested packing list. Please remember that it is easier for everyone if you travel light.

FOOTWEAR: Sandals and a pair of lightweight walking shoes will do the job.

PANTS: A pair of jeans or light trousers will suffice.

SHORTS: A couple of pairs of fast-drying shorts, suitable to wear on the tenders.

SHIRTS: A handful of t-shirts, some short-sleeved, some long. One or two nicer shirts for dining and ashore.

SWEATSHIRT/LIGHT JACKET/WARM CAP: It can be cool in the evenings when the breeze blows.

LIGHTWEIGHT WINDBREAKER/RAINCOAT: Lightweight waterproof outerwear is recommended to help keep you warm and dry on the tenders on those days when the wind, waves, and spray might be up.

BATHING SUIT(S): One to wear, one as spare.

TOILETRIES: While each cabin’s head comes with soap, shampoo, and conditioner dispensers, we recommend bringing your own personal toiletries.

“What are some highly recommended niceties?”

POLARIZED SUNGLASSES: Polarized sunglasses will help you see through the water’s surface glare and see the whales much better.

BROAD BRIMMED HAT: For sun protection, with a chinstrap for breezy days.

DRY BAG: A small dry bag for use on the tenders to hold any sensitive personal gear, cameras, spare dry clothes, windbreaker, etc. Found at dive shops.

SNORKEL BAG: A compact bag for snorkel gear, to help keep it organized aboard the boats. A large mesh bag is simple, inexpensive, and highly effective. Found at dive shops.

CAMERAS: Still or video, surface, and/or underwater: photography/videography opportunities on the Silver Bank are exceptional! Whether it is a professional level DSLR, or a single-use point and shoot, an HD camera, or a handy cam, for use above or below the water’s surface, bring it. Ample dry storage for topside cameras is available aboard the tenders. Don’t forget the batteries, chargers, memory cards & readers, etc.

PERSONAL TOWEL: A synthetic chamois or microfiber mini camping towel: Great to carry on the tenders, they are compact and durable and will allow you to dry yourself off quickly after you get out of the water, which will help you to stay warm. They are also useful to wipe your hands before handling your camera.

BINOCULARS: A small pair of field glasses might be nice, especially while relaxing on M/V Sea Hunter between tender excursions. Whales are often seen near the boat.

LEISURE ITEMS: Although there is a selection of books, movies, and music aboard, you may want to bring some of your own. There is an entertainment center at your disposal.

Under regulations set forth by the Dominican Republic’s Dept. of the Interior and Parks Dept., no scuba diving is permitted in the Sanctuary for the Marine Mammals of the Dominican Republic except under special permit. These permits are generally only granted to researchers and/or film crews for specific projects.

Professional photographers and videographers working in the sanctuary must identify themselves as such and undergo a separate application and permitting process with the Dominican authorities governing the Sanctuary. Any additional required fees are the responsibility of the person or persons making the application. Contact us for more information.

There is no upper age limit but the guest is responsible for determining their own fitness to participate. Please contact us if you have any questions. We welcome children aboard as they are the stewards of the future, but there are limited recreational activities onboard and we remain offshore the entire week so please be sure your child will be interested and engaged for the duration of the cruise. Some general policies regarding minors are as follows:

minimum age 8, with the above conditions considered
all cabins are double occupancy only, three to a room is not permitted
a parent must berth with the minor child
the child must be supervised/accompanied at all times

The M/V Sea Hunter typically returns to port Friday afternoon around 4:30 p.m. Lunch will be served onboard underway and upon arrival in Cofresi, passengers will be at their leisure to relax onboard or stretch their legs ashore. You will be invited to convene for hors d’oevres at 6 pm to enjoy a presentation of the week’s best video and photos. Dinner will be ashore at your expense on Friday evening; usually, a group will dine together at a nearby local restaurant. You may stay onboard Friday night or disembark for a local hotel. Final disembarkation will occur Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m. after a continental breakfast.

The M/V Sea Hunter crew is trained in first aid and accident management. The vessel is equipped with a complete first aid kit. Since emergency transportation and treatment cost is the responsibility of each passenger, we strongly recommend that you obtain special insurance to cover these costs, if they should arise.

If someone ashore must contact you in the event of an emergency while the vessel is on the Silver Bank, please contact us right away by calling (239) 248-7101 at any hour so that we can be informed and help with the situation.

Cell phone service might be available to you when you are in the marina in Cofresi but there is NO CELL PHONE service once we leave the marina. The M/V Sea Hunter is equipped with satellite-based phone and email for emergency communications.

You must arrive at least one night prior to the departure date.

Costa Rica has two international airports. For optimum convenience, we recommend that you fly directly to San José (SJO) rather than the more distant Liberia International Airport.

Pack lightly since you will be dressing for warm tropical weather. Please check with your airline for weight allowances and baggage policies. Airlines have ever-changing baggage limitations that can affect divers and photographers, so always check for updates on regulations.

Currently, Costa Rican customs places no limitation upon entering the country with personal equipment such as diving gear, cameras and video equipment or even computers meant for personal use. However, we do recommend that if you are carrying excessive amounts of equipment or professional gear, you simply declare that gear to customs.

All passengers must have a valid passport to enter Costa Rica. Most U.S., Canadian, EU and Japanese citizens do not require a visa. If in doubt we recommend checking with the nearest Costa Rican consulate to see if you will need a visa.

Please note, if you are traveling to Costa Rica from some South American countries then you will need to have a yellow-fever vaccination prior to traveling in order to enter Costa Rica.

Upon arrival in San Jose, you may take a taxi to your hotel. There are always taxis available at the airport and minivans for those of you who have a lot of gear. We can also arrange for your airport pickup as well as for accommodations at several fine hotels in San Jose. The night before departure, an Undersea Hunter/Fiesta Tours representative will inform you at your hotel of your precise pickup time for transport to our dock and your awaiting vessel. Please note that we only pick up from a set list of San Jose hotels to go down to the vessels. The evenings on shore are at your leisure. Hotel nights and meals before and after the cruise are not included in the charter.

Please note that we only pick up from a set list of San Jose hotels to go down to the vessels. On the day of departure to Cocos, generally between 8 AM and 1 PM, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred by Fiesta Tours to Puntarenas, the seaport village where you will board the vessel. The drive takes about 3 hours, including a stop on the way for a snack or lunch. The price of this meal is not included in your trip package. The ride will give you an opportunity to view some of the lush tropical forests and rich farmlands of the region.

At the end of your Cocos adventure, you will usually disembark the boat at 8 AM and be transferred back to your hotel in San Jose. The transfer takes approximately 2 hours, give or take.

If, for some reason, you should need travel to or from Puntarenas, other than the by the transport offered by the Undersea Hunter Group, a taxi service is, of course, available. The cost of independent transportation can run in excess of $100 one-way.

While you are here in Costa Rica, it is certainly worth the extra time to experience some of the other aspects of our little country that truly make it a natural wonderland. Active volcanoes, white water rafting, zip-line tours, mountain biking, pristine jungles, coffee plantations, horseback riding, visits to craft centers and of course some of the most beautiful beaches in the world are among the activities and destinations available to you here. After all, you’ve come this far! We would be happy to arrange one-day tours or longer trips to more remote areas, at your request. Only Costa-Rican approved companies recommended by USHG will operate these tours.

Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken within regions associated with tourism.

Colones are the national currency, with $1 US equal to approximately ¢545 (colones) as of June 2014. International credit cards and US dollars are widely accepted in regions associated with tourism.

Hotels and banks will exchange US Dollars for Costa Rican colones. US dollars as well as Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted on the vessels. We cannot accept personal checks or travelers checks onboard.

We recommend checking the CDC’s website for the latest health news and information

We strongly recommend staying one night after the return to land, in case of any unforeseen delays.

There is currently a departure tax of $29 US as of October 2017.

Cocos Island presents the same diving challenges as any other Pacific, Indian, or Red Sea diving location. Cocos, however, is not recommended for inexperienced divers because it is an open ocean destination that requires advanced open water diving skills.

Please note, the minimum required level of certification to dive at Cocos is Open Water with the Specialty of Deep Diver. We also recommend having a minimum of 25 hours of diving experience.

Most dives are at depths deeper than 60 feet / 18 meters. At Cocos currents and visibility can be entirely different in just a few hours. Please note, the dive guide will always be the final authority as to whether a passenger can do any specific dive.

Most of the action is at 60-90 feet /18-27 meters, and most dives are between 60-130 feet / 18-40 meters. The safety limit is set at 130 feet / 40 meters and a dive computer is necessary. Visibility averages 60-100ft/18-30m.

Average temperature is 79 F to 84 F (26 C to 29 C), although it can be a few degrees lower under the occasional thermocline.

All divers must bring proof of certification by a national certifying agency. The certification must allow the diver to dive to the recreational dive limit of 130 feet (40 meters). The Dive Master will request to see your certification before you are allowed to dive. If you are certified for Nitrox and rebreathers as well, then remember to also bring those certifications.

To increase safety and bottom time while maintaining safe non-decompression dives the use of Nitrox is recommended. The vessel offers full onboard TDI training in Nitrox, with rental of Nitrox computers. Nitrox fills are free for Nitrox certified divers.

Please check directly with our office if you are bringing a rebreather with you. We can supply you with tanks, scrubber material and any further assistance you need, and can provide you with the costs of these items.

Please note, at this time we are no longer teaching the rebreather course and we do not have any units available to rent. Check for further rebreather information on this website at PRICES & SCHEDULES – Rental Gear

When all passengers are boarded, the vessel will take 32-36 hours to reach Cocos Island. Crossings are normally calm, but to prevent motion sickness we advise you to take the necessary precautions. At the conclusion of your trip, we will return to Puntarenas where a bus will be waiting to return you to your San Jose hotel.

You will need the following gear: 5-7 mm wetsuit, mask, fins, snorkel, regulator with visible pressure gauge, a mandatory dive computer, buoyancy compensator, depth gauge, dive gloves, weight belt (without weights), a dive light, and dive watch. It is recommended that you mark each piece of gear with waterproof paint or tape. We suggest you put all or most of the above items in a carry-on bag. There is ample storage space for your diving equipment, including your own personal locker.

We provide you with weights for your weight belt: 2, 3, 4, and 6 lbs. (1, 1.5, 2 and 3 kilos). We also provide you with air or Nitrox tanks — 80 cubic ft. aluminum (12 liters).

Please note, our tanks are standard yoke (INT), not DIN. Please notify our offices in advance if you need an adaptor.

You can rent a complete line of ScubaPro dive gear: BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, fins, snorkel, and Aladin Nitrox dive computers.

We have a limited supply of 15 Liter steel tanks. If you would like to rent one, make sure to reserve it well ahead of time.

The menu aboard offers a delicious combination of International and local cuisine. Meals are varied and well balanced, and we also offer delicious snacks between dives. Food is abundant with plenty of fresh tropical fruit and salads and is served buffet style. Please let us know of any special dietary needs or requests, but try to be lenient, as storage and preparation space is limited.

Soft drinks: Free, Bottle of wine: $15 – $35.

Hard liquor is not available onboard but our guests are welcome to bring their own, which should be purchased prior to boarding.

We recommend casual and cool cotton attire while on board. Nights can be chilly and/or drizzly so bringing a sweater, light jacket or windbreaker is recommended. In San Jose dress is slightly more conservative, like long jeans and collared shirts. For women, we recommend holding off wearing shorts and beach type clothing till you are aboard the vessel. We suggest packing in a soft duffel bag for easy luggage storage. Booties or hiking shoes are recommended if you want to visit the island.

We will usually make one or two visits to the island itself during a trip.

The Argo, and Sea Hunter crews consist of a unique combination of talents, offering the ultimate in service. The Undersea Hunter has a crew of seven, while the Sea Hunter and the Argo have a crew of eight. The divemasters, deckhands, and skiff drivers make sure you have the best possible diving adventure, while the chef and steward prepare delicious meals and take care of all your needs on board.

The vessels maintain constant radio contact in the event of any emergency. Your family and friends can contact our office at telephone: +506-2228-6535. We are happy to let family and friends know how you are when they call our office.

Our main office is open 9.00 – 17.00 Costa Rican time Monday – Friday (except for national holidays). Outside of those hours, our emergency contact number is +506-8735-2392 (please leave a message if necessary).

Please understand, however, that you will be in a remote area and it is preferable that personal communications to the boat be limited to emergency use only. We also now keep a satellite phone on board, which costs $3.50 per minute.

Cocos Island is now equipped with a cellular phone tower, as well as a public phone. When in closer proximity to the Island at certain locations (assuming your cell phone works in Costa Rica), it is possible to use your cellular phone services, but keep in mind, it is still an international call. Do keep in mind that in general, it is difficult to get a good signal at the island.

The vessels have both 110 and 220 volts ac. The cabins have 110 volts ac only.

The vessels have standard US and European sockets (but not British style sockets).

There is a variety of nightly entertainment available onboard: slide shows, DVDs, music, games, and much more. Please feel free to bring along your favorites.

Since it is customary to tip crew members, many people ask us what tip amount is appropriate. This is a very personal decision, as tips are your way of expressing satisfaction. Generally, the tip is given to the captain who distributes it equally amongst the crew. Please note that we do not dictate or include tips.

We have a well-equipped first aid kit including oxygen on-board. You should bring anti-seasickness medicine and ear drops if you feel you will need them.

Please inform us and especially the dive guides if you are taking medication or suffer from allergies.

Life rings are located on either side of the boat, and life jackets for all passengers are located in the lockers on both sides of the sun deck. Fire extinguishers are located in the hallways leading to your cabins. Emergency exit from the aft passenger cabins is possible through an overhead hatch above the doors of cabins 7 and 8. The emergency exit for the forward passenger area is through a door in cabin 4 and up the stairs in the engine room.

The nearest Re-compression Chamber is in the capital of Costa Rica, San Jose, about 36 hours sailing from Cocos, the implications of which are obvious.

Smoking is strictly prohibited throughout the boat, each boat has a designated location on the sundeck if one wishes to smoke.

Conscious Breath Adventures strongly recommends each guest purchase comprehensive accident, medical, baggage and trip cancellation/interruption insurance. Trip insurance will protect you from financial disappointment if you are prevented from making your scheduled trip due to unforeseen illness, delays in transit, or in the event that unforeseen circumstances prevent the vessel from making its scheduled trip. In an event where it is necessary to cancel or interrupt a charter due to weather or any matter beyond the control of the servicing vessel and therefore Conscious Breath Adventures, there will be no refund or credit issued. We also recommend diving accident insurance, which provides coverage while snorkeling and will cover evacuation costs in the event of an emergency. One important note: some travel insurance companies cover snorkeling in their policies. Read your policy carefully, if snorkeling is a covered activity then additional dive insurance may not be necessary. See www.CSATtravelProtection.com; www.TravelGuard.com; www.DiversAlertNetwork.org; www.DiveAssure.com.

In the Dominican Republic, the currency is the Dominican Peso, but U.S. dollars and credit cards are widely accepted. Unless you will be staying in the Dominican Republic for an extended visit, it is not necessary to exchange U.S. dollars to pesos. Be sure to know the currency exchange rate before arriving. Once aboard, cash US$ and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) can be used to pay vessel-related costs such as crew gratuity; while cash is needed to pay Conscious Breath Adventures-related costs such as merchandise.

Expenses related to the M/V Sea Hunter, such as gratuity, fuel surcharge, and purchases from the onboard ship’s store can be paid via cash U.S. dollars or with Visa, MasterCard or American Express. Expenses related to Conscious Breath Adventures, such as photo & video discs or CBA apparel, can be paid via cash U.S. dollars or Dominican pesos, or by personal checks drawn on U.S banks.

Our port of embarkation for your journey to the Silver Bank is the Cofresi Beach area a few miles west of the gateway city of Puerto Plata on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. We sail from Ocean World Marina, the only full-service marina on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. A tourist destination featuring an adventure park, restaurant and casino, Ocean World Marina is where your transportation will deliver you to board the vessel on Saturday afternoon, and where you will disembark at the end of your adventure.

It is anticipated that all passengers will arrive in the Dominican Republic by air. In Puerto Plata, the Gregorio Luperon International Airport (airport code POP) is closest to the Ocean World Marina. Transport from the airport to Cofresi should take about 30 minutes, less to area hotels. Another option is Cibao International Airport, located in Santiago (airport code STI). Transport from Santiago to Cofresi is about 90 minutes. Be advised that since airfares and flight times can vary significantly between POP and STI, you should investigate both options keeping in mind the differences in costs for ground transportation. Other international airports are available but will add significantly to surface travel time and expense, be sure of where your airport is located relative to the marina.

Guests board the vessel Saturday afternoon at 5:00pm. We recommend that if you will be flying from, or connecting through, any airport that may be affected by winter weather, or are arriving from outside of North America, you should consider arriving at least one day before embarkation, on Friday or before. This will allow time to overcome any delays in travel or baggage issues that may occur en route. Unfortunately, due to the specialized nature of this itinerary we can not delay the vessel’s departure due to travel related issues.

You are required to have a valid passport and have proof of return or onward ticket. Depending upon your citizenship, you might also be required to obtain a visa. Please contact your local Embassy or Consulate for your destination. US citizens do not need a visa but do need to travel with passports that are valid for 6 months after your departure date. Please see below about the required tourist card.

Visitors who do not obtain a Dominican visa prior to entry must purchase a tourist card upon arrival to enter the country. Tourist cards cost $10 U.S., which must be paid in cash (US dollars). Tourist cards are purchased at Dominican airports at the time of entry. Tourist cards normally permit a legal stay of up to 60 days. Customs formalities are usually quick and trouble free. Tourists are allowed personal articles for use during their stay. These include items of personal adornment, apparel, toiletries and portable articles that someone can reasonably be expected to use during their stay.

The Dominican Republic is a major tourist destination, and the north coast areas of Puerto Plata, Playa Dorada, Cabarete and Sosua abound with all levels of accommodation. A brief search of internet travel search engines will quickly yield dozens of options. We are happy to offer suggestions, please feel free to contact us for more information regarding accommodations.

Once in the DR, guests have two options for ground transportation: local cab or pre-arranged transfer. For small parties of 2-3, local taxis are efficient and cost-effective. At the airport, assertive but polite porters will, with your permission, help you to the curbside where professional taxis stand by. Gratuities of a dollar a bag for the porter are appreciated. Taxi fares to all popular destinations are clearly posted at the taxi stand.

Another option is to pre-arrange a transfer through a transportation company. In this case, a uniformed driver will identify himself by holding a sign with your name on it. The van will then carry you to your destination. This can be very economical for groups of 3 guests or more. Our staff is happy to help you coordinate the most efficient and cost-effective means of ground transfer, contact us for further assistance.

Any ship’s store purchases aboard the M/V Sea Hunter, equipment rental fees, and email or phone charges must be settled onboard using cash or credit cards prior to departure. In addition, Conscious Breath Adventures (CBA) offers video and photo compilations documenting your week on the Silver Bank for sale, as well as souvenir t-shirts. Acceptable methods of payment for CBA merchandise include U.S. Dollars, Traveler’s Checks, and personal checks drawn from US banks but no credit cards. Crew gratuities are not included and can be paid to the vessel by cash or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) but cash is strongly preferred as a significant percentage is deducted from credit card payments for processing expenses. As a guideline a gratuity of 10% of the fare is customary.

Once the vessel leaves the marina there is no internet access available. The vessel does have a proprietary satellite e-mail system but there is no web-browsing capability. If guests would like to have email access, for a fee they can set up an onboard account to send and receive text-only communications but it is not possible to check personal accounts such as _@gmail.com, _@hotmail.com, _@yahoo.com, etc.

Cell phone service might be available to you when you are ashore in the Dominican Republic. Check your carrier’s plan and be sure to turn off international roaming services to avoid hefty charges. You may have service ashore but there is NO CELL PHONE service once we leave the marina. The vessel is equipped with satellite-based phone and email for emergency communications.

WE RECOMMEND BRINGING AS MANY OF THESE ESSENTIALS IN YOUR CARRY-ON BAGGAGE AS POSSIBLE

Passport: be sure to check the expiration date when placing a reservation
Prescription medications/medical supplies: (There are no pharmacies on the Silver Bank; carry essential medicines in your carry-on baggage on the plane.)
Snorkel
Mask
Fins
Bathing suit
Wet Suit: (2mm – 3mm should keep you warm enough unless you are sensitive to cold)

Humpback whale season is late winter to early spring and the weather may be cool and windy during the passage of stronger cold fronts, but the coral formations throughout the area provide us with plenty of protection from rough seas while at the mooring. Once moored, the movement of the vessel is minimal. The nights are cool, around 70F – 75F (21C – 24C) but during the day the temperature can warm to 85F (30C). Days are generally sunny to partly cloudy, rain is uncommon but possible during fronts. The water temperature ranges from 72F -80F (22C-26C). Please note that sanctuary rules prohibit any whale watching activities from the tenders when winds exceed 25mph.

Attire aboard is tropical casual, with the only dressier occasion being the final Friday night when guests dine ashore, but even that evening is casual. Below is a suggested packing list. Please remember that it is easier for everyone if you travel light.

FOOTWEAR: Sandals and a pair of lightweight walking shoes will do the job.

PANTS: A pair of jeans or light trousers will suffice.

SHORTS: A couple of pairs of fast-drying shorts, suitable to wear on the tenders.

SHIRTS: A handful of t-shirts, some short-sleeved, some long. One or two nicer shirts for dining and ashore.

SWEATSHIRT/LIGHT JACKET/WARM CAP: It can be cool in the evenings when the breeze blows.

LIGHTWEIGHT WINDBREAKER/RAINCOAT: Lightweight waterproof outerwear is recommended to help keep you warm and dry on the tenders on those days when the wind, waves, and spray might be up.

BATHING SUIT(S): One to wear, one as spare.

TOILETRIES: While each cabin’s head comes with soap, shampoo, and conditioner dispensers, we recommend bringing your own personal toiletries.

“What are some highly recommended niceties?”

POLARIZED SUNGLASSES: Polarized sunglasses will help you see through the water’s surface glare and see the whales much better.

BROAD BRIMMED HAT: For sun protection, with a chinstrap for breezy days.

DRY BAG: A small dry bag for use on the tenders to hold any sensitive personal gear, cameras, spare dry clothes, windbreaker, etc. Found at dive shops.

SNORKEL BAG: A compact bag for snorkel gear, to help keep it organized aboard the boats. A large mesh bag is simple, inexpensive, and highly effective. Found at dive shops.

CAMERAS: Still or video, surface, and/or underwater: photography/videography opportunities on the Silver Bank are exceptional! Whether it is a professional level DSLR, or a single-use point and shoot, an HD camera, or a handy cam, for use above or below the water’s surface, bring it. Ample dry storage for topside cameras is available aboard the tenders. Don’t forget the batteries, chargers, memory cards & readers, etc.

PERSONAL TOWEL: A synthetic chamois or microfiber mini camping towel: Great to carry on the tenders, they are compact and durable and will allow you to dry yourself off quickly after you get out of the water, which will help you to stay warm. They are also useful to wipe your hands before handling your camera.

BINOCULARS: A small pair of field glasses might be nice, especially while relaxing on M/V Sea Hunter between tender excursions. Whales are often seen near the boat.

LEISURE ITEMS: Although there is a selection of books, movies, and music aboard, you may want to bring some of your own. There is an entertainment center at your disposal.

Under regulations set forth by the Dominican Republic’s Dept. of the Interior and Parks Dept., no scuba diving is permitted in the Sanctuary for the Marine Mammals of the Dominican Republic except under special permit. These permits are generally only granted to researchers and/or film crews for specific projects.

Professional photographers and videographers working in the sanctuary must identify themselves as such and undergo a separate application and permitting process with the Dominican authorities governing the Sanctuary. Any additional required fees are the responsibility of the person or persons making the application. Contact us for more information.

There is no upper age limit but the guest is responsible for determining their own fitness to participate. Please contact us if you have any questions. We welcome children aboard as they are the stewards of the future, but there are limited recreational activities onboard and we remain offshore the entire week so please be sure your child will be interested and engaged for the duration of the cruise. Some general policies regarding minors are as follows:

minimum age 8, with the above conditions considered
all cabins are double occupancy only, three to a room is not permitted
a parent must berth with the minor child
the child must be supervised/accompanied at all times

The M/V Sea Hunter typically returns to port Friday afternoon around 4:30 p.m. Lunch will be served onboard underway and upon arrival in Cofresi, passengers will be at their leisure to relax onboard or stretch their legs ashore. You will be invited to convene for hors d’oevres at 6 pm to enjoy a presentation of the week’s best video and photos. Dinner will be ashore at your expense on Friday evening; usually, a group will dine together at a nearby local restaurant. You may stay onboard Friday night or disembark for a local hotel. Final disembarkation will occur Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m. after a continental breakfast.

The M/V Sea Hunter crew is trained in first aid and accident management. The vessel is equipped with a complete first aid kit. Since emergency transportation and treatment cost is the responsibility of each passenger, we strongly recommend that you obtain special insurance to cover these costs, if they should arise.

If someone ashore must contact you in the event of an emergency while the vessel is on the Silver Bank, please contact us right away by calling (239) 248-7101 at any hour so that we can be informed and help with the situation.

Cell phone service might be available to you when you are in the marina in Cofresi but there is NO CELL PHONE service once we leave the marina. The M/V Sea Hunter is equipped with satellite-based phone and email for emergency communications.

You must arrive at least one night prior to the departure date.

Costa Rica has two international airports. For optimum convenience, we recommend that you fly directly to San José (SJO) rather than the more distant Liberia International Airport.

Pack lightly since you will be dressing for warm tropical weather. Please check with your airline for weight allowances and baggage policies. Airlines have ever-changing baggage limitations that can affect divers and photographers, so always check for updates on regulations.

Currently, Costa Rican customs places no limitation upon entering the country with personal equipment such as diving gear, cameras and video equipment or even computers meant for personal use. However, we do recommend that if you are carrying excessive amounts of equipment or professional gear, you simply declare that gear to customs.

All passengers must have a valid passport to enter Costa Rica. Most U.S., Canadian, EU and Japanese citizens do not require a visa. If in doubt we recommend checking with the nearest Costa Rican consulate to see if you will need a visa.

Please note, if you are traveling to Costa Rica from some South American countries then you will need to have a yellow-fever vaccination prior to traveling in order to enter Costa Rica.

Upon arrival in San Jose, you may take a taxi to your hotel. There are always taxis available at the airport and minivans for those of you who have a lot of gear. We can also arrange for your airport pickup as well as for accommodations at several fine hotels in San Jose. The night before departure, an Undersea Hunter/Fiesta Tours representative will inform you at your hotel of your precise pickup time for transport to our dock and your awaiting vessel. Please note that we only pick up from a set list of San Jose hotels to go down to the vessels. The evenings on shore are at your leisure. Hotel nights and meals before and after the cruise are not included in the charter.

Please note that we only pick up from a set list of San Jose hotels to go down to the vessels. On the day of departure to Cocos, generally between 8 AM and 1 PM, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred by Fiesta Tours to Puntarenas, the seaport village where you will board the vessel. The drive takes about 3 hours, including a stop on the way for a snack or lunch. The price of this meal is not included in your trip package. The ride will give you an opportunity to view some of the lush tropical forests and rich farmlands of the region.

At the end of your Cocos adventure, you will usually disembark the boat at 8 AM and be transferred back to your hotel in San Jose. The transfer takes approximately 2 hours, give or take.

If, for some reason, you should need travel to or from Puntarenas, other than the by the transport offered by the Undersea Hunter Group, a taxi service is, of course, available. The cost of independent transportation can run in excess of $100 one-way.

While you are here in Costa Rica, it is certainly worth the extra time to experience some of the other aspects of our little country that truly make it a natural wonderland. Active volcanoes, white water rafting, zip-line tours, mountain biking, pristine jungles, coffee plantations, horseback riding, visits to craft centers and of course some of the most beautiful beaches in the world are among the activities and destinations available to you here. After all, you’ve come this far! We would be happy to arrange one-day tours or longer trips to more remote areas, at your request. Only Costa-Rican approved companies recommended by USHG will operate these tours.

Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken within regions associated with tourism.

Colones are the national currency, with $1 US equal to approximately ¢545 (colones) as of June 2014. International credit cards and US dollars are widely accepted in regions associated with tourism.

Hotels and banks will exchange US Dollars for Costa Rican colones. US dollars as well as Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted on the vessels. We cannot accept personal checks or travelers checks onboard.

We recommend checking the CDC’s website for the latest health news and information

We strongly recommend staying one night after the return to land, in case of any unforeseen delays.

There is currently a departure tax of $29 US as of October 2017.

Cocos Island presents the same diving challenges as any other Pacific, Indian, or Red Sea diving location. Cocos, however, is not recommended for inexperienced divers because it is an open ocean destination that requires advanced open water diving skills.

Please note, the minimum required level of certification to dive at Cocos is Open Water with the Specialty of Deep Diver. We also recommend having a minimum of 25 hours of diving experience.

Most dives are at depths deeper than 60 feet / 18 meters. At Cocos currents and visibility can be entirely different in just a few hours. Please note, the dive guide will always be the final authority as to whether a passenger can do any specific dive.

Most of the action is at 60-90 feet /18-27 meters, and most dives are between 60-130 feet / 18-40 meters. The safety limit is set at 130 feet / 40 meters and a dive computer is necessary. Visibility averages 60-100ft/18-30m.

Average temperature is 79 F to 84 F (26 C to 29 C), although it can be a few degrees lower under the occasional thermocline.

All divers must bring proof of certification by a national certifying agency. The certification must allow the diver to dive to the recreational dive limit of 130 feet (40 meters). The Dive Master will request to see your certification before you are allowed to dive. If you are certified for Nitrox and rebreathers as well, then remember to also bring those certifications.

To increase safety and bottom time while maintaining safe non-decompression dives the use of Nitrox is recommended. The vessel offers full onboard TDI training in Nitrox, with rental of Nitrox computers. Nitrox fills are free for Nitrox certified divers.

Please check directly with our office if you are bringing a rebreather with you. We can supply you with tanks, scrubber material and any further assistance you need, and can provide you with the costs of these items.

Please note, at this time we are no longer teaching the rebreather course and we do not have any units available to rent. Check for further rebreather information on this website at PRICES & SCHEDULES – Rental Gear

When all passengers are boarded, the vessel will take 32-36 hours to reach Cocos Island. Crossings are normally calm, but to prevent motion sickness we advise you to take the necessary precautions. At the conclusion of your trip, we will return to Puntarenas where a bus will be waiting to return you to your San Jose hotel.

You will need the following gear: 5-7 mm wetsuit, mask, fins, snorkel, regulator with visible pressure gauge, a mandatory dive computer, buoyancy compensator, depth gauge, dive gloves, weight belt (without weights), a dive light, and dive watch. It is recommended that you mark each piece of gear with waterproof paint or tape. We suggest you put all or most of the above items in a carry-on bag. There is ample storage space for your diving equipment, including your own personal locker.

We provide you with weights for your weight belt: 2, 3, 4, and 6 lbs. (1, 1.5, 2 and 3 kilos). We also provide you with air or Nitrox tanks — 80 cubic ft. aluminum (12 liters).

Please note, our tanks are standard yoke (INT), not DIN. Please notify our offices in advance if you need an adaptor.

You can rent a complete line of ScubaPro dive gear: BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, fins, snorkel, and Aladin Nitrox dive computers.

We have a limited supply of 15 Liter steel tanks. If you would like to rent one, make sure to reserve it well ahead of time.

The menu aboard offers a delicious combination of International and local cuisine. Meals are varied and well balanced, and we also offer delicious snacks between dives. Food is abundant with plenty of fresh tropical fruit and salads and is served buffet style. Please let us know of any special dietary needs or requests, but try to be lenient, as storage and preparation space is limited.

Soft drinks: Free, Bottle of wine: $15 – $35.

Hard liquor is not available onboard but our guests are welcome to bring their own, which should be purchased prior to boarding.

We recommend casual and cool cotton attire while on board. Nights can be chilly and/or drizzly so bringing a sweater, light jacket or windbreaker is recommended. In San Jose dress is slightly more conservative, like long jeans and collared shirts. For women, we recommend holding off wearing shorts and beach type clothing till you are aboard the vessel. We suggest packing in a soft duffel bag for easy luggage storage. Booties or hiking shoes are recommended if you want to visit the island.

We will usually make one or two visits to the island itself during a trip.

The Argo, and Sea Hunter crews consist of a unique combination of talents, offering the ultimate in service. The Undersea Hunter has a crew of seven, while the Sea Hunter and the Argo have a crew of eight. The divemasters, deckhands, and skiff drivers make sure you have the best possible diving adventure, while the chef and steward prepare delicious meals and take care of all your needs on board.

The vessels maintain constant radio contact in the event of any emergency. Your family and friends can contact our office at telephone: +506-2228-6535. We are happy to let family and friends know how you are when they call our office.

Our main office is open 9.00 – 17.00 Costa Rican time Monday – Friday (except for national holidays). Outside of those hours, our emergency contact number is +506-8735-2392 (please leave a message if necessary).

Please understand, however, that you will be in a remote area and it is preferable that personal communications to the boat be limited to emergency use only. We also now keep a satellite phone on board, which costs $3.50 per minute.

Cocos Island is now equipped with a cellular phone tower, as well as a public phone. When in closer proximity to the Island at certain locations (assuming your cell phone works in Costa Rica), it is possible to use your cellular phone services, but keep in mind, it is still an international call. Do keep in mind that in general, it is difficult to get a good signal at the island.

The vessels have both 110 and 220 volts ac. The cabins have 110 volts ac only.

The vessels have standard US and European sockets (but not British style sockets).

There is a variety of nightly entertainment available onboard: slide shows, DVDs, music, games, and much more. Please feel free to bring along your favorites.

Since it is customary to tip crew members, many people ask us what tip amount is appropriate. This is a very personal decision, as tips are your way of expressing satisfaction. Generally, the tip is given to the captain who distributes it equally amongst the crew. Please note that we do not dictate or include tips.

We have a well-equipped first aid kit including oxygen on-board. You should bring anti-seasickness medicine and ear drops if you feel you will need them.

Please inform us and especially the dive guides if you are taking medication or suffer from allergies.

Life rings are located on either side of the boat, and life jackets for all passengers are located in the lockers on both sides of the sun deck. Fire extinguishers are located in the hallways leading to your cabins. Emergency exit from the aft passenger cabins is possible through an overhead hatch above the doors of cabins 7 and 8. The emergency exit for the forward passenger area is through a door in cabin 4 and up the stairs in the engine room.

The nearest Re-compression Chamber is in the capital of Costa Rica, San Jose, about 36 hours sailing from Cocos, the implications of which are obvious.

Smoking is strictly prohibited throughout the boat, each boat has a designated location on the sundeck if one wishes to smoke.

Conscious Breath Adventures strongly recommends each guest purchase comprehensive accident, medical, baggage and trip cancellation/interruption insurance. Trip insurance will protect you from financial disappointment if you are prevented from making your scheduled trip due to unforeseen illness, delays in transit, or in the event that unforeseen circumstances prevent the vessel from making its scheduled trip. In an event where it is necessary to cancel or interrupt a charter due to weather or any matter beyond the control of the servicing vessel and therefore Conscious Breath Adventures, there will be no refund or credit issued. We also recommend diving accident insurance, which provides coverage while snorkeling and will cover evacuation costs in the event of an emergency. One important note: some travel insurance companies cover snorkeling in their policies. Read your policy carefully, if snorkeling is a covered activity then additional dive insurance may not be necessary. See www.CSATtravelProtection.com; www.TravelGuard.com; www.DiversAlertNetwork.org; www.DiveAssure.com.

In the Dominican Republic, the currency is the Dominican Peso, but U.S. dollars and credit cards are widely accepted. Unless you will be staying in the Dominican Republic for an extended visit, it is not necessary to exchange U.S. dollars to pesos. Be sure to know the currency exchange rate before arriving. Once aboard, cash US$ and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) can be used to pay vessel-related costs such as crew gratuity; while cash is needed to pay Conscious Breath Adventures-related costs such as merchandise.

Expenses related to the M/V Sea Hunter, such as gratuity, fuel surcharge, and purchases from the onboard ship’s store can be paid via cash U.S. dollars or with Visa, MasterCard or American Express. Expenses related to Conscious Breath Adventures, such as photo & video discs or CBA apparel, can be paid via cash U.S. dollars or Dominican pesos, or by personal checks drawn on U.S banks.

Our port of embarkation for your journey to the Silver Bank is the Cofresi Beach area a few miles west of the gateway city of Puerto Plata on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. We sail from Ocean World Marina, the only full-service marina on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. A tourist destination featuring an adventure park, restaurant and casino, Ocean World Marina is where your transportation will deliver you to board the vessel on Saturday afternoon, and where you will disembark at the end of your adventure.

It is anticipated that all passengers will arrive in the Dominican Republic by air. In Puerto Plata, the Gregorio Luperon International Airport (airport code POP) is closest to the Ocean World Marina. Transport from the airport to Cofresi should take about 30 minutes, less to area hotels. Another option is Cibao International Airport, located in Santiago (airport code STI). Transport from Santiago to Cofresi is about 90 minutes. Be advised that since airfares and flight times can vary significantly between POP and STI, you should investigate both options keeping in mind the differences in costs for ground transportation. Other international airports are available but will add significantly to surface travel time and expense, be sure of where your airport is located relative to the marina.

Guests board the vessel Saturday afternoon at 5:00pm. We recommend that if you will be flying from, or connecting through, any airport that may be affected by winter weather, or are arriving from outside of North America, you should consider arriving at least one day before embarkation, on Friday or before. This will allow time to overcome any delays in travel or baggage issues that may occur en route. Unfortunately, due to the specialized nature of this itinerary we can not delay the vessel’s departure due to travel related issues.

You are required to have a valid passport and have proof of return or onward ticket. Depending upon your citizenship, you might also be required to obtain a visa. Please contact your local Embassy or Consulate for your destination. US citizens do not need a visa but do need to travel with passports that are valid for 6 months after your departure date. Please see below about the required tourist card.

Visitors who do not obtain a Dominican visa prior to entry must purchase a tourist card upon arrival to enter the country. Tourist cards cost $10 U.S., which must be paid in cash (US dollars). Tourist cards are purchased at Dominican airports at the time of entry. Tourist cards normally permit a legal stay of up to 60 days. Customs formalities are usually quick and trouble free. Tourists are allowed personal articles for use during their stay. These include items of personal adornment, apparel, toiletries and portable articles that someone can reasonably be expected to use during their stay.

The Dominican Republic is a major tourist destination, and the north coast areas of Puerto Plata, Playa Dorada, Cabarete and Sosua abound with all levels of accommodation. A brief search of internet travel search engines will quickly yield dozens of options. We are happy to offer suggestions, please feel free to contact us for more information regarding accommodations.

Once in the DR, guests have two options for ground transportation: local cab or pre-arranged transfer. For small parties of 2-3, local taxis are efficient and cost-effective. At the airport, assertive but polite porters will, with your permission, help you to the curbside where professional taxis stand by. Gratuities of a dollar a bag for the porter are appreciated. Taxi fares to all popular destinations are clearly posted at the taxi stand.

Another option is to pre-arrange a transfer through a transportation company. In this case, a uniformed driver will identify himself by holding a sign with your name on it. The van will then carry you to your destination. This can be very economical for groups of 3 guests or more. Our staff is happy to help you coordinate the most efficient and cost-effective means of ground transfer, contact us for further assistance.

Any ship’s store purchases aboard the M/V Sea Hunter, equipment rental fees, and email or phone charges must be settled onboard using cash or credit cards prior to departure. In addition, Conscious Breath Adventures (CBA) offers video and photo compilations documenting your week on the Silver Bank for sale, as well as souvenir t-shirts. Acceptable methods of payment for CBA merchandise include U.S. Dollars, Traveler’s Checks, and personal checks drawn from US banks but no credit cards. Crew gratuities are not included and can be paid to the vessel by cash or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) but cash is strongly preferred as a significant percentage is deducted from credit card payments for processing expenses. As a guideline a gratuity of 10% of the fare is customary.

Once the vessel leaves the marina there is no internet access available. The vessel does have a proprietary satellite e-mail system but there is no web-browsing capability. If guests would like to have email access, for a fee they can set up an onboard account to send and receive text-only communications but it is not possible to check personal accounts such as _@gmail.com, _@hotmail.com, _@yahoo.com, etc.

Cell phone service might be available to you when you are ashore in the Dominican Republic. Check your carrier’s plan and be sure to turn off international roaming services to avoid hefty charges. You may have service ashore but there is NO CELL PHONE service once we leave the marina. The vessel is equipped with satellite-based phone and email for emergency communications.

WE RECOMMEND BRINGING AS MANY OF THESE ESSENTIALS IN YOUR CARRY-ON BAGGAGE AS POSSIBLE

Passport: be sure to check the expiration date when placing a reservation
Prescription medications/medical supplies: (There are no pharmacies on the Silver Bank; carry essential medicines in your carry-on baggage on the plane.)
Snorkel
Mask
Fins
Bathing suit
Wet Suit: (2mm – 3mm should keep you warm enough unless you are sensitive to cold)

Humpback whale season is late winter to early spring and the weather may be cool and windy during the passage of stronger cold fronts, but the coral formations throughout the area provide us with plenty of protection from rough seas while at the mooring. Once moored, the movement of the vessel is minimal. The nights are cool, around 70F – 75F (21C – 24C) but during the day the temperature can warm to 85F (30C). Days are generally sunny to partly cloudy, rain is uncommon but possible during fronts. The water temperature ranges from 72F -80F (22C-26C). Please note that sanctuary rules prohibit any whale watching activities from the tenders when winds exceed 25mph.

Attire aboard is tropical casual, with the only dressier occasion being the final Friday night when guests dine ashore, but even that evening is casual. Below is a suggested packing list. Please remember that it is easier for everyone if you travel light.

FOOTWEAR: Sandals and a pair of lightweight walking shoes will do the job.

PANTS: A pair of jeans or light trousers will suffice.

SHORTS: A couple of pairs of fast-drying shorts, suitable to wear on the tenders.

SHIRTS: A handful of t-shirts, some short-sleeved, some long. One or two nicer shirts for dining and ashore.

SWEATSHIRT/LIGHT JACKET/WARM CAP: It can be cool in the evenings when the breeze blows.

LIGHTWEIGHT WINDBREAKER/RAINCOAT: Lightweight waterproof outerwear is recommended to help keep you warm and dry on the tenders on those days when the wind, waves, and spray might be up.

BATHING SUIT(S): One to wear, one as spare.

TOILETRIES: While each cabin’s head comes with soap, shampoo, and conditioner dispensers, we recommend bringing your own personal toiletries.

“What are some highly recommended niceties?”

POLARIZED SUNGLASSES: Polarized sunglasses will help you see through the water’s surface glare and see the whales much better.

BROAD BRIMMED HAT: For sun protection, with a chinstrap for breezy days.

DRY BAG: A small dry bag for use on the tenders to hold any sensitive personal gear, cameras, spare dry clothes, windbreaker, etc. Found at dive shops.

SNORKEL BAG: A compact bag for snorkel gear, to help keep it organized aboard the boats. A large mesh bag is simple, inexpensive, and highly effective. Found at dive shops.

CAMERAS: Still or video, surface, and/or underwater: photography/videography opportunities on the Silver Bank are exceptional! Whether it is a professional level DSLR, or a single-use point and shoot, an HD camera, or a handy cam, for use above or below the water’s surface, bring it. Ample dry storage for topside cameras is available aboard the tenders. Don’t forget the batteries, chargers, memory cards & readers, etc.

PERSONAL TOWEL: A synthetic chamois or microfiber mini camping towel: Great to carry on the tenders, they are compact and durable and will allow you to dry yourself off quickly after you get out of the water, which will help you to stay warm. They are also useful to wipe your hands before handling your camera.

BINOCULARS: A small pair of field glasses might be nice, especially while relaxing on M/V Sea Hunter between tender excursions. Whales are often seen near the boat.

LEISURE ITEMS: Although there is a selection of books, movies, and music aboard, you may want to bring some of your own. There is an entertainment center at your disposal.

Under regulations set forth by the Dominican Republic’s Dept. of the Interior and Parks Dept., no scuba diving is permitted in the Sanctuary for the Marine Mammals of the Dominican Republic except under special permit. These permits are generally only granted to researchers and/or film crews for specific projects.

Professional photographers and videographers working in the sanctuary must identify themselves as such and undergo a separate application and permitting process with the Dominican authorities governing the Sanctuary. Any additional required fees are the responsibility of the person or persons making the application. Contact us for more information.

There is no upper age limit but the guest is responsible for determining their own fitness to participate. Please contact us if you have any questions. We welcome children aboard as they are the stewards of the future, but there are limited recreational activities onboard and we remain offshore the entire week so please be sure your child will be interested and engaged for the duration of the cruise. Some general policies regarding minors are as follows:

minimum age 8, with the above conditions considered
all cabins are double occupancy only, three to a room is not permitted
a parent must berth with the minor child
the child must be supervised/accompanied at all times

The M/V Sea Hunter typically returns to port Friday afternoon around 4:30 p.m. Lunch will be served onboard underway and upon arrival in Cofresi, passengers will be at their leisure to relax onboard or stretch their legs ashore. You will be invited to convene for hors d’oevres at 6 pm to enjoy a presentation of the week’s best video and photos. Dinner will be ashore at your expense on Friday evening; usually, a group will dine together at a nearby local restaurant. You may stay onboard Friday night or disembark for a local hotel. Final disembarkation will occur Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m. after a continental breakfast.

The M/V Sea Hunter crew is trained in first aid and accident management. The vessel is equipped with a complete first aid kit. Since emergency transportation and treatment cost is the responsibility of each passenger, we strongly recommend that you obtain special insurance to cover these costs, if they should arise.

If someone ashore must contact you in the event of an emergency while the vessel is on the Silver Bank, please contact us right away by calling (239) 248-7101 at any hour so that we can be informed and help with the situation.

Cell phone service might be available to you when you are in the marina in Cofresi but there is NO CELL PHONE service once we leave the marina. The M/V Sea Hunter is equipped with satellite-based phone and email for emergency communications.

You must arrive at least one night prior to the departure date.

Costa Rica has two international airports. For optimum convenience, we recommend that you fly directly to San José (SJO) rather than the more distant Liberia International Airport.

Pack lightly since you will be dressing for warm tropical weather. Please check with your airline for weight allowances and baggage policies. Airlines have ever-changing baggage limitations that can affect divers and photographers, so always check for updates on regulations.

Currently, Costa Rican customs places no limitation upon entering the country with personal equipment such as diving gear, cameras and video equipment or even computers meant for personal use. However, we do recommend that if you are carrying excessive amounts of equipment or professional gear, you simply declare that gear to customs.

All passengers must have a valid passport to enter Costa Rica. Most U.S., Canadian, EU and Japanese citizens do not require a visa. If in doubt we recommend checking with the nearest Costa Rican consulate to see if you will need a visa.

Please note, if you are traveling to Costa Rica from some South American countries then you will need to have a yellow-fever vaccination prior to traveling in order to enter Costa Rica.

Upon arrival in San Jose, you may take a taxi to your hotel. There are always taxis available at the airport and minivans for those of you who have a lot of gear. We can also arrange for your airport pickup as well as for accommodations at several fine hotels in San Jose. The night before departure, an Undersea Hunter/Fiesta Tours representative will inform you at your hotel of your precise pickup time for transport to our dock and your awaiting vessel. Please note that we only pick up from a set list of San Jose hotels to go down to the vessels. The evenings on shore are at your leisure. Hotel nights and meals before and after the cruise are not included in the charter.

Please note that we only pick up from a set list of San Jose hotels to go down to the vessels. On the day of departure to Cocos, generally between 8 AM and 1 PM, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred by Fiesta Tours to Puntarenas, the seaport village where you will board the vessel. The drive takes about 3 hours, including a stop on the way for a snack or lunch. The price of this meal is not included in your trip package. The ride will give you an opportunity to view some of the lush tropical forests and rich farmlands of the region.

At the end of your Cocos adventure, you will usually disembark the boat at 8 AM and be transferred back to your hotel in San Jose. The transfer takes approximately 2 hours, give or take.

If, for some reason, you should need travel to or from Puntarenas, other than the by the transport offered by the Undersea Hunter Group, a taxi service is, of course, available. The cost of independent transportation can run in excess of $100 one-way.

While you are here in Costa Rica, it is certainly worth the extra time to experience some of the other aspects of our little country that truly make it a natural wonderland. Active volcanoes, white water rafting, zip-line tours, mountain biking, pristine jungles, coffee plantations, horseback riding, visits to craft centers and of course some of the most beautiful beaches in the world are among the activities and destinations available to you here. After all, you’ve come this far! We would be happy to arrange one-day tours or longer trips to more remote areas, at your request. Only Costa-Rican approved companies recommended by USHG will operate these tours.

Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken within regions associated with tourism.

Colones are the national currency, with $1 US equal to approximately ¢545 (colones) as of June 2014. International credit cards and US dollars are widely accepted in regions associated with tourism.

Hotels and banks will exchange US Dollars for Costa Rican colones. US dollars as well as Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted on the vessels. We cannot accept personal checks or travelers checks onboard.

We recommend checking the CDC’s website for the latest health news and information

We strongly recommend staying one night after the return to land, in case of any unforeseen delays.

There is currently a departure tax of $29 US as of October 2017.

Cocos Island presents the same diving challenges as any other Pacific, Indian, or Red Sea diving location. Cocos, however, is not recommended for inexperienced divers because it is an open ocean destination that requires advanced open water diving skills.

Please note, the minimum required level of certification to dive at Cocos is Open Water with the Specialty of Deep Diver. We also recommend having a minimum of 25 hours of diving experience.

Most dives are at depths deeper than 60 feet / 18 meters. At Cocos currents and visibility can be entirely different in just a few hours. Please note, the dive guide will always be the final authority as to whether a passenger can do any specific dive.

Most of the action is at 60-90 feet /18-27 meters, and most dives are between 60-130 feet / 18-40 meters. The safety limit is set at 130 feet / 40 meters and a dive computer is necessary. Visibility averages 60-100ft/18-30m.

Average temperature is 79 F to 84 F (26 C to 29 C), although it can be a few degrees lower under the occasional thermocline.

All divers must bring proof of certification by a national certifying agency. The certification must allow the diver to dive to the recreational dive limit of 130 feet (40 meters). The Dive Master will request to see your certification before you are allowed to dive. If you are certified for Nitrox and rebreathers as well, then remember to also bring those certifications.

To increase safety and bottom time while maintaining safe non-decompression dives the use of Nitrox is recommended. The vessel offers full onboard TDI training in Nitrox, with rental of Nitrox computers. Nitrox fills are free for Nitrox certified divers.

Please check directly with our office if you are bringing a rebreather with you. We can supply you with tanks, scrubber material and any further assistance you need, and can provide you with the costs of these items.

Please note, at this time we are no longer teaching the rebreather course and we do not have any units available to rent. Check for further rebreather information on this website at PRICES & SCHEDULES – Rental Gear

When all passengers are boarded, the vessel will take 32-36 hours to reach Cocos Island. Crossings are normally calm, but to prevent motion sickness we advise you to take the necessary precautions. At the conclusion of your trip, we will return to Puntarenas where a bus will be waiting to return you to your San Jose hotel.

You will need the following gear: 5-7 mm wetsuit, mask, fins, snorkel, regulator with visible pressure gauge, a mandatory dive computer, buoyancy compensator, depth gauge, dive gloves, weight belt (without weights), a dive light, and dive watch. It is recommended that you mark each piece of gear with waterproof paint or tape. We suggest you put all or most of the above items in a carry-on bag. There is ample storage space for your diving equipment, including your own personal locker.

We provide you with weights for your weight belt: 2, 3, 4, and 6 lbs. (1, 1.5, 2 and 3 kilos). We also provide you with air or Nitrox tanks — 80 cubic ft. aluminum (12 liters).

Please note, our tanks are standard yoke (INT), not DIN. Please notify our offices in advance if you need an adaptor.

You can rent a complete line of ScubaPro dive gear: BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, fins, snorkel, and Aladin Nitrox dive computers.

We have a limited supply of 15 Liter steel tanks. If you would like to rent one, make sure to reserve it well ahead of time.

The menu aboard offers a delicious combination of International and local cuisine. Meals are varied and well balanced, and we also offer delicious snacks between dives. Food is abundant with plenty of fresh tropical fruit and salads and is served buffet style. Please let us know of any special dietary needs or requests, but try to be lenient, as storage and preparation space is limited.

Soft drinks: Free, Bottle of wine: $15 – $35.

Hard liquor is not available onboard but our guests are welcome to bring their own, which should be purchased prior to boarding.

We recommend casual and cool cotton attire while on board. Nights can be chilly and/or drizzly so bringing a sweater, light jacket or windbreaker is recommended. In San Jose dress is slightly more conservative, like long jeans and collared shirts. For women, we recommend holding off wearing shorts and beach type clothing till you are aboard the vessel. We suggest packing in a soft duffel bag for easy luggage storage. Booties or hiking shoes are recommended if you want to visit the island.

We will usually make one or two visits to the island itself during a trip.

The Argo, and Sea Hunter crews consist of a unique combination of talents, offering the ultimate in service. The Undersea Hunter has a crew of seven, while the Sea Hunter and the Argo have a crew of eight. The divemasters, deckhands, and skiff drivers make sure you have the best possible diving adventure, while the chef and steward prepare delicious meals and take care of all your needs on board.

The vessels maintain constant radio contact in the event of any emergency. Your family and friends can contact our office at telephone: +506-2228-6535. We are happy to let family and friends know how you are when they call our office.

Our main office is open 9.00 – 17.00 Costa Rican time Monday – Friday (except for national holidays). Outside of those hours, our emergency contact number is +506-8735-2392 (please leave a message if necessary).

Please understand, however, that you will be in a remote area and it is preferable that personal communications to the boat be limited to emergency use only. We also now keep a satellite phone on board, which costs $3.50 per minute.

Cocos Island is now equipped with a cellular phone tower, as well as a public phone. When in closer proximity to the Island at certain locations (assuming your cell phone works in Costa Rica), it is possible to use your cellular phone services, but keep in mind, it is still an international call. Do keep in mind that in general, it is difficult to get a good signal at the island.

The vessels have both 110 and 220 volts ac. The cabins have 110 volts ac only.

The vessels have standard US and European sockets (but not British style sockets).

There is a variety of nightly entertainment available onboard: slide shows, DVDs, music, games, and much more. Please feel free to bring along your favorites.

Since it is customary to tip crew members, many people ask us what tip amount is appropriate. This is a very personal decision, as tips are your way of expressing satisfaction. Generally, the tip is given to the captain who distributes it equally amongst the crew. Please note that we do not dictate or include tips.

We have a well-equipped first aid kit including oxygen on-board. You should bring anti-seasickness medicine and ear drops if you feel you will need them.

Please inform us and especially the dive guides if you are taking medication or suffer from allergies.

Life rings are located on either side of the boat, and life jackets for all passengers are located in the lockers on both sides of the sun deck. Fire extinguishers are located in the hallways leading to your cabins. Emergency exit from the aft passenger cabins is possible through an overhead hatch above the doors of cabins 7 and 8. The emergency exit for the forward passenger area is through a door in cabin 4 and up the stairs in the engine room.

The nearest Re-compression Chamber is in the capital of Costa Rica, San Jose, about 36 hours sailing from Cocos, the implications of which are obvious.

Smoking is strictly prohibited throughout the boat, each boat has a designated location on the sundeck if one wishes to smoke.

Conscious Breath Adventures strongly recommends each guest purchase comprehensive accident, medical, baggage and trip cancellation/interruption insurance. Trip insurance will protect you from financial disappointment if you are prevented from making your scheduled trip due to unforeseen illness, delays in transit, or in the event that unforeseen circumstances prevent the vessel from making its scheduled trip. In an event where it is necessary to cancel or interrupt a charter due to weather or any matter beyond the control of the servicing vessel and therefore Conscious Breath Adventures, there will be no refund or credit issued. We also recommend diving accident insurance, which provides coverage while snorkeling and will cover evacuation costs in the event of an emergency. One important note: some travel insurance companies cover snorkeling in their policies. Read your policy carefully, if snorkeling is a covered activity then additional dive insurance may not be necessary. See www.CSATtravelProtection.com; www.TravelGuard.com; www.DiversAlertNetwork.org; www.DiveAssure.com.

In the Dominican Republic, the currency is the Dominican Peso, but U.S. dollars and credit cards are widely accepted. Unless you will be staying in the Dominican Republic for an extended visit, it is not necessary to exchange U.S. dollars to pesos. Be sure to know the currency exchange rate before arriving. Once aboard, cash US$ and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) can be used to pay vessel-related costs such as crew gratuity; while cash is needed to pay Conscious Breath Adventures-related costs such as merchandise.

Expenses related to the M/V Sea Hunter, such as gratuity, fuel surcharge, and purchases from the onboard ship’s store can be paid via cash U.S. dollars or with Visa, MasterCard or American Express. Expenses related to Conscious Breath Adventures, such as photo & video discs or CBA apparel, can be paid via cash U.S. dollars or Dominican pesos, or by personal checks drawn on U.S banks.

Our port of embarkation for your journey to the Silver Bank is the Cofresi Beach area a few miles west of the gateway city of Puerto Plata on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. We sail from Ocean World Marina, the only full-service marina on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. A tourist destination featuring an adventure park, restaurant and casino, Ocean World Marina is where your transportation will deliver you to board the vessel on Saturday afternoon, and where you will disembark at the end of your adventure.

It is anticipated that all passengers will arrive in the Dominican Republic by air. In Puerto Plata, the Gregorio Luperon International Airport (airport code POP) is closest to the Ocean World Marina. Transport from the airport to Cofresi should take about 30 minutes, less to area hotels. Another option is Cibao International Airport, located in Santiago (airport code STI). Transport from Santiago to Cofresi is about 90 minutes. Be advised that since airfares and flight times can vary significantly between POP and STI, you should investigate both options keeping in mind the differences in costs for ground transportation. Other international airports are available but will add significantly to surface travel time and expense, be sure of where your airport is located relative to the marina.

Guests board the vessel Saturday afternoon at 5:00pm. We recommend that if you will be flying from, or connecting through, any airport that may be affected by winter weather, or are arriving from outside of North America, you should consider arriving at least one day before embarkation, on Friday or before. This will allow time to overcome any delays in travel or baggage issues that may occur en route. Unfortunately, due to the specialized nature of this itinerary we can not delay the vessel’s departure due to travel related issues.

You are required to have a valid passport and have proof of return or onward ticket. Depending upon your citizenship, you might also be required to obtain a visa. Please contact your local Embassy or Consulate for your destination. US citizens do not need a visa but do need to travel with passports that are valid for 6 months after your departure date. Please see below about the required tourist card.

Visitors who do not obtain a Dominican visa prior to entry must purchase a tourist card upon arrival to enter the country. Tourist cards cost $10 U.S., which must be paid in cash (US dollars). Tourist cards are purchased at Dominican airports at the time of entry. Tourist cards normally permit a legal stay of up to 60 days. Customs formalities are usually quick and trouble free. Tourists are allowed personal articles for use during their stay. These include items of personal adornment, apparel, toiletries and portable articles that someone can reasonably be expected to use during their stay.

The Dominican Republic is a major tourist destination, and the north coast areas of Puerto Plata, Playa Dorada, Cabarete and Sosua abound with all levels of accommodation. A brief search of internet travel search engines will quickly yield dozens of options. We are happy to offer suggestions, please feel free to contact us for more information regarding accommodations.

Once in the DR, guests have two options for ground transportation: local cab or pre-arranged transfer. For small parties of 2-3, local taxis are efficient and cost-effective. At the airport, assertive but polite porters will, with your permission, help you to the curbside where professional taxis stand by. Gratuities of a dollar a bag for the porter are appreciated. Taxi fares to all popular destinations are clearly posted at the taxi stand.

Another option is to pre-arrange a transfer through a transportation company. In this case, a uniformed driver will identify himself by holding a sign with your name on it. The van will then carry you to your destination. This can be very economical for groups of 3 guests or more. Our staff is happy to help you coordinate the most efficient and cost-effective means of ground transfer, contact us for further assistance.

Any ship’s store purchases aboard the M/V Sea Hunter, equipment rental fees, and email or phone charges must be settled onboard using cash or credit cards prior to departure. In addition, Conscious Breath Adventures (CBA) offers video and photo compilations documenting your week on the Silver Bank for sale, as well as souvenir t-shirts. Acceptable methods of payment for CBA merchandise include U.S. Dollars, Traveler’s Checks, and personal checks drawn from US banks but no credit cards. Crew gratuities are not included and can be paid to the vessel by cash or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) but cash is strongly preferred as a significant percentage is deducted from credit card payments for processing expenses. As a guideline a gratuity of 10% of the fare is customary.

Once the vessel leaves the marina there is no internet access available. The vessel does have a proprietary satellite e-mail system but there is no web-browsing capability. If guests would like to have email access, for a fee they can set up an onboard account to send and receive text-only communications but it is not possible to check personal accounts such as _@gmail.com, _@hotmail.com, _@yahoo.com, etc.

Cell phone service might be available to you when you are ashore in the Dominican Republic. Check your carrier’s plan and be sure to turn off international roaming services to avoid hefty charges. You may have service ashore but there is NO CELL PHONE service once we leave the marina. The vessel is equipped with satellite-based phone and email for emergency communications.

WE RECOMMEND BRINGING AS MANY OF THESE ESSENTIALS IN YOUR CARRY-ON BAGGAGE AS POSSIBLE

Passport: be sure to check the expiration date when placing a reservation
Prescription medications/medical supplies: (There are no pharmacies on the Silver Bank; carry essential medicines in your carry-on baggage on the plane.)
Snorkel
Mask
Fins
Bathing suit
Wet Suit: (2mm – 3mm should keep you warm enough unless you are sensitive to cold)

Humpback whale season is late winter to early spring and the weather may be cool and windy during the passage of stronger cold fronts, but the coral formations throughout the area provide us with plenty of protection from rough seas while at the mooring. Once moored, the movement of the vessel is minimal. The nights are cool, around 70F – 75F (21C – 24C) but during the day the temperature can warm to 85F (30C). Days are generally sunny to partly cloudy, rain is uncommon but possible during fronts. The water temperature ranges from 72F -80F (22C-26C). Please note that sanctuary rules prohibit any whale watching activities from the tenders when winds exceed 25mph.

Attire aboard is tropical casual, with the only dressier occasion being the final Friday night when guests dine ashore, but even that evening is casual. Below is a suggested packing list. Please remember that it is easier for everyone if you travel light.

FOOTWEAR: Sandals and a pair of lightweight walking shoes will do the job.

PANTS: A pair of jeans or light trousers will suffice.

SHORTS: A couple of pairs of fast-drying shorts, suitable to wear on the tenders.

SHIRTS: A handful of t-shirts, some short-sleeved, some long. One or two nicer shirts for dining and ashore.

SWEATSHIRT/LIGHT JACKET/WARM CAP: It can be cool in the evenings when the breeze blows.

LIGHTWEIGHT WINDBREAKER/RAINCOAT: Lightweight waterproof outerwear is recommended to help keep you warm and dry on the tenders on those days when the wind, waves, and spray might be up.

BATHING SUIT(S): One to wear, one as spare.

TOILETRIES: While each cabin’s head comes with soap, shampoo, and conditioner dispensers, we recommend bringing your own personal toiletries.

“What are some highly recommended niceties?”

POLARIZED SUNGLASSES: Polarized sunglasses will help you see through the water’s surface glare and see the whales much better.

BROAD BRIMMED HAT: For sun protection, with a chinstrap for breezy days.

DRY BAG: A small dry bag for use on the tenders to hold any sensitive personal gear, cameras, spare dry clothes, windbreaker, etc. Found at dive shops.

SNORKEL BAG: A compact bag for snorkel gear, to help keep it organized aboard the boats. A large mesh bag is simple, inexpensive, and highly effective. Found at dive shops.

CAMERAS: Still or video, surface, and/or underwater: photography/videography opportunities on the Silver Bank are exceptional! Whether it is a professional level DSLR, or a single-use point and shoot, an HD camera, or a handy cam, for use above or below the water’s surface, bring it. Ample dry storage for topside cameras is available aboard the tenders. Don’t forget the batteries, chargers, memory cards & readers, etc.

PERSONAL TOWEL: A synthetic chamois or microfiber mini camping towel: Great to carry on the tenders, they are compact and durable and will allow you to dry yourself off quickly after you get out of the water, which will help you to stay warm. They are also useful to wipe your hands before handling your camera.

BINOCULARS: A small pair of field glasses might be nice, especially while relaxing on M/V Sea Hunter between tender excursions. Whales are often seen near the boat.

LEISURE ITEMS: Although there is a selection of books, movies, and music aboard, you may want to bring some of your own. There is an entertainment center at your disposal.

Under regulations set forth by the Dominican Republic’s Dept. of the Interior and Parks Dept., no scuba diving is permitted in the Sanctuary for the Marine Mammals of the Dominican Republic except under special permit. These permits are generally only granted to researchers and/or film crews for specific projects.

Professional photographers and videographers working in the sanctuary must identify themselves as such and undergo a separate application and permitting process with the Dominican authorities governing the Sanctuary. Any additional required fees are the responsibility of the person or persons making the application. Contact us for more information.

There is no upper age limit but the guest is responsible for determining their own fitness to participate. Please contact us if you have any questions. We welcome children aboard as they are the stewards of the future, but there are limited recreational activities onboard and we remain offshore the entire week so please be sure your child will be interested and engaged for the duration of the cruise. Some general policies regarding minors are as follows:

minimum age 8, with the above conditions considered
all cabins are double occupancy only, three to a room is not permitted
a parent must berth with the minor child
the child must be supervised/accompanied at all times

The M/V Sea Hunter typically returns to port Friday afternoon around 4:30 p.m. Lunch will be served onboard underway and upon arrival in Cofresi, passengers will be at their leisure to relax onboard or stretch their legs ashore. You will be invited to convene for hors d’oevres at 6 pm to enjoy a presentation of the week’s best video and photos. Dinner will be ashore at your expense on Friday evening; usually, a group will dine together at a nearby local restaurant. You may stay onboard Friday night or disembark for a local hotel. Final disembarkation will occur Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m. after a continental breakfast.

The M/V Sea Hunter crew is trained in first aid and accident management. The vessel is equipped with a complete first aid kit. Since emergency transportation and treatment cost is the responsibility of each passenger, we strongly recommend that you obtain special insurance to cover these costs, if they should arise.

If someone ashore must contact you in the event of an emergency while the vessel is on the Silver Bank, please contact us right away by calling (239) 248-7101 at any hour so that we can be informed and help with the situation.

Cell phone service might be available to you when you are in the marina in Cofresi but there is NO CELL PHONE service once we leave the marina. The M/V Sea Hunter is equipped with satellite-based phone and email for emergency communications.

You must arrive at least one night prior to the departure date.

Costa Rica has two international airports. For optimum convenience, we recommend that you fly directly to San José (SJO) rather than the more distant Liberia International Airport.

Pack lightly since you will be dressing for warm tropical weather. Please check with your airline for weight allowances and baggage policies. Airlines have ever-changing baggage limitations that can affect divers and photographers, so always check for updates on regulations.

Currently, Costa Rican customs places no limitation upon entering the country with personal equipment such as diving gear, cameras and video equipment or even computers meant for personal use. However, we do recommend that if you are carrying excessive amounts of equipment or professional gear, you simply declare that gear to customs.

All passengers must have a valid passport to enter Costa Rica. Most U.S., Canadian, EU and Japanese citizens do not require a visa. If in doubt we recommend checking with the nearest Costa Rican consulate to see if you will need a visa.

Please note, if you are traveling to Costa Rica from some South American countries then you will need to have a yellow-fever vaccination prior to traveling in order to enter Costa Rica.

Upon arrival in San Jose, you may take a taxi to your hotel. There are always taxis available at the airport and minivans for those of you who have a lot of gear. We can also arrange for your airport pickup as well as for accommodations at several fine hotels in San Jose. The night before departure, an Undersea Hunter/Fiesta Tours representative will inform you at your hotel of your precise pickup time for transport to our dock and your awaiting vessel. Please note that we only pick up from a set list of San Jose hotels to go down to the vessels. The evenings on shore are at your leisure. Hotel nights and meals before and after the cruise are not included in the charter.

Please note that we only pick up from a set list of San Jose hotels to go down to the vessels. On the day of departure to Cocos, generally between 8 AM and 1 PM, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred by Fiesta Tours to Puntarenas, the seaport village where you will board the vessel. The drive takes about 3 hours, including a stop on the way for a snack or lunch. The price of this meal is not included in your trip package. The ride will give you an opportunity to view some of the lush tropical forests and rich farmlands of the region.

At the end of your Cocos adventure, you will usually disembark the boat at 8 AM and be transferred back to your hotel in San Jose. The transfer takes approximately 2 hours, give or take.

If, for some reason, you should need travel to or from Puntarenas, other than the by the transport offered by the Undersea Hunter Group, a taxi service is, of course, available. The cost of independent transportation can run in excess of $100 one-way.

While you are here in Costa Rica, it is certainly worth the extra time to experience some of the other aspects of our little country that truly make it a natural wonderland. Active volcanoes, white water rafting, zip-line tours, mountain biking, pristine jungles, coffee plantations, horseback riding, visits to craft centers and of course some of the most beautiful beaches in the world are among the activities and destinations available to you here. After all, you’ve come this far! We would be happy to arrange one-day tours or longer trips to more remote areas, at your request. Only Costa-Rican approved companies recommended by USHG will operate these tours.

Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken within regions associated with tourism.

Colones are the national currency, with $1 US equal to approximately ¢545 (colones) as of June 2014. International credit cards and US dollars are widely accepted in regions associated with tourism.

Hotels and banks will exchange US Dollars for Costa Rican colones. US dollars as well as Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted on the vessels. We cannot accept personal checks or travelers checks onboard.

We recommend checking the CDC’s website for the latest health news and information

We strongly recommend staying one night after the return to land, in case of any unforeseen delays.

There is currently a departure tax of $29 US as of October 2017.

Cocos Island presents the same diving challenges as any other Pacific, Indian, or Red Sea diving location. Cocos, however, is not recommended for inexperienced divers because it is an open ocean destination that requires advanced open water diving skills.

Please note, the minimum required level of certification to dive at Cocos is Open Water with the Specialty of Deep Diver. We also recommend having a minimum of 25 hours of diving experience.

Most dives are at depths deeper than 60 feet / 18 meters. At Cocos currents and visibility can be entirely different in just a few hours. Please note, the dive guide will always be the final authority as to whether a passenger can do any specific dive.

Most of the action is at 60-90 feet /18-27 meters, and most dives are between 60-130 feet / 18-40 meters. The safety limit is set at 130 feet / 40 meters and a dive computer is necessary. Visibility averages 60-100ft/18-30m.

Average temperature is 79 F to 84 F (26 C to 29 C), although it can be a few degrees lower under the occasional thermocline.

All divers must bring proof of certification by a national certifying agency. The certification must allow the diver to dive to the recreational dive limit of 130 feet (40 meters). The Dive Master will request to see your certification before you are allowed to dive. If you are certified for Nitrox and rebreathers as well, then remember to also bring those certifications.

To increase safety and bottom time while maintaining safe non-decompression dives the use of Nitrox is recommended. The vessel offers full onboard TDI training in Nitrox, with rental of Nitrox computers. Nitrox fills are free for Nitrox certified divers.

Please check directly with our office if you are bringing a rebreather with you. We can supply you with tanks, scrubber material and any further assistance you need, and can provide you with the costs of these items.

Please note, at this time we are no longer teaching the rebreather course and we do not have any units available to rent. Check for further rebreather information on this website at PRICES & SCHEDULES – Rental Gear

When all passengers are boarded, the vessel will take 32-36 hours to reach Cocos Island. Crossings are normally calm, but to prevent motion sickness we advise you to take the necessary precautions. At the conclusion of your trip, we will return to Puntarenas where a bus will be waiting to return you to your San Jose hotel.

You will need the following gear: 5-7 mm wetsuit, mask, fins, snorkel, regulator with visible pressure gauge, a mandatory dive computer, buoyancy compensator, depth gauge, dive gloves, weight belt (without weights), a dive light, and dive watch. It is recommended that you mark each piece of gear with waterproof paint or tape. We suggest you put all or most of the above items in a carry-on bag. There is ample storage space for your diving equipment, including your own personal locker.

We provide you with weights for your weight belt: 2, 3, 4, and 6 lbs. (1, 1.5, 2 and 3 kilos). We also provide you with air or Nitrox tanks — 80 cubic ft. aluminum (12 liters).

Please note, our tanks are standard yoke (INT), not DIN. Please notify our offices in advance if you need an adaptor.

You can rent a complete line of ScubaPro dive gear: BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, fins, snorkel, and Aladin Nitrox dive computers.

We have a limited supply of 15 Liter steel tanks. If you would like to rent one, make sure to reserve it well ahead of time.

The menu aboard offers a delicious combination of International and local cuisine. Meals are varied and well balanced, and we also offer delicious snacks between dives. Food is abundant with plenty of fresh tropical fruit and salads and is served buffet style. Please let us know of any special dietary needs or requests, but try to be lenient, as storage and preparation space is limited.

Soft drinks: Free, Bottle of wine: $15 – $35.

Hard liquor is not available onboard but our guests are welcome to bring their own, which should be purchased prior to boarding.

We recommend casual and cool cotton attire while on board. Nights can be chilly and/or drizzly so bringing a sweater, light jacket or windbreaker is recommended. In San Jose dress is slightly more conservative, like long jeans and collared shirts. For women, we recommend holding off wearing shorts and beach type clothing till you are aboard the vessel. We suggest packing in a soft duffel bag for easy luggage storage. Booties or hiking shoes are recommended if you want to visit the island.

We will usually make one or two visits to the island itself during a trip.

The Argo, and Sea Hunter crews consist of a unique combination of talents, offering the ultimate in service. The Undersea Hunter has a crew of seven, while the Sea Hunter and the Argo have a crew of eight. The divemasters, deckhands, and skiff drivers make sure you have the best possible diving adventure, while the chef and steward prepare delicious meals and take care of all your needs on board.

The vessels maintain constant radio contact in the event of any emergency. Your family and friends can contact our office at telephone: +506-2228-6535. We are happy to let family and friends know how you are when they call our office.

Our main office is open 9.00 – 17.00 Costa Rican time Monday – Friday (except for national holidays). Outside of those hours, our emergency contact number is +506-8735-2392 (please leave a message if necessary).

Please understand, however, that you will be in a remote area and it is preferable that personal communications to the boat be limited to emergency use only. We also now keep a satellite phone on board, which costs $3.50 per minute.

Cocos Island is now equipped with a cellular phone tower, as well as a public phone. When in closer proximity to the Island at certain locations (assuming your cell phone works in Costa Rica), it is possible to use your cellular phone services, but keep in mind, it is still an international call. Do keep in mind that in general, it is difficult to get a good signal at the island.

The vessels have both 110 and 220 volts ac. The cabins have 110 volts ac only.

The vessels have standard US and European sockets (but not British style sockets).

There is a variety of nightly entertainment available onboard: slide shows, DVDs, music, games, and much more. Please feel free to bring along your favorites.

Since it is customary to tip crew members, many people ask us what tip amount is appropriate. This is a very personal decision, as tips are your way of expressing satisfaction. Generally, the tip is given to the captain who distributes it equally amongst the crew. Please note that we do not dictate or include tips.

We have a well-equipped first aid kit including oxygen on-board. You should bring anti-seasickness medicine and ear drops if you feel you will need them.

Please inform us and especially the dive guides if you are taking medication or suffer from allergies.

Life rings are located on either side of the boat, and life jackets for all passengers are located in the lockers on both sides of the sun deck. Fire extinguishers are located in the hallways leading to your cabins. Emergency exit from the aft passenger cabins is possible through an overhead hatch above the doors of cabins 7 and 8. The emergency exit for the forward passenger area is through a door in cabin 4 and up the stairs in the engine room.

The nearest Re-compression Chamber is in the capital of Costa Rica, San Jose, about 36 hours sailing from Cocos, the implications of which are obvious.

Smoking is strictly prohibited throughout the boat, each boat has a designated location on the sundeck if one wishes to smoke.

Conscious Breath Adventures strongly recommends each guest purchase comprehensive accident, medical, baggage and trip cancellation/interruption insurance. Trip insurance will protect you from financial disappointment if you are prevented from making your scheduled trip due to unforeseen illness, delays in transit, or in the event that unforeseen circumstances prevent the vessel from making its scheduled trip. In an event where it is necessary to cancel or interrupt a charter due to weather or any matter beyond the control of the servicing vessel and therefore Conscious Breath Adventures, there will be no refund or credit issued. We also recommend diving accident insurance, which provides coverage while snorkeling and will cover evacuation costs in the event of an emergency. One important note: some travel insurance companies cover snorkeling in their policies. Read your policy carefully, if snorkeling is a covered activity then additional dive insurance may not be necessary. See www.CSATtravelProtection.com; www.TravelGuard.com; www.DiversAlertNetwork.org; www.DiveAssure.com.

In the Dominican Republic, the currency is the Dominican Peso, but U.S. dollars and credit cards are widely accepted. Unless you will be staying in the Dominican Republic for an extended visit, it is not necessary to exchange U.S. dollars to pesos. Be sure to know the currency exchange rate before arriving. Once aboard, cash US$ and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) can be used to pay vessel-related costs such as crew gratuity; while cash is needed to pay Conscious Breath Adventures-related costs such as merchandise.

Expenses related to the M/V Sea Hunter, such as gratuity, fuel surcharge, and purchases from the onboard ship’s store can be paid via cash U.S. dollars or with Visa, MasterCard or American Express. Expenses related to Conscious Breath Adventures, such as photo & video discs or CBA apparel, can be paid via cash U.S. dollars or Dominican pesos, or by personal checks drawn on U.S banks.

Our port of embarkation for your journey to the Silver Bank is the Cofresi Beach area a few miles west of the gateway city of Puerto Plata on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. We sail from Ocean World Marina, the only full-service marina on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. A tourist destination featuring an adventure park, restaurant and casino, Ocean World Marina is where your transportation will deliver you to board the vessel on Saturday afternoon, and where you will disembark at the end of your adventure.

It is anticipated that all passengers will arrive in the Dominican Republic by air. In Puerto Plata, the Gregorio Luperon International Airport (airport code POP) is closest to the Ocean World Marina. Transport from the airport to Cofresi should take about 30 minutes, less to area hotels. Another option is Cibao International Airport, located in Santiago (airport code STI). Transport from Santiago to Cofresi is about 90 minutes. Be advised that since airfares and flight times can vary significantly between POP and STI, you should investigate both options keeping in mind the differences in costs for ground transportation. Other international airports are available but will add significantly to surface travel time and expense, be sure of where your airport is located relative to the marina.

Guests board the vessel Saturday afternoon at 5:00pm. We recommend that if you will be flying from, or connecting through, any airport that may be affected by winter weather, or are arriving from outside of North America, you should consider arriving at least one day before embarkation, on Friday or before. This will allow time to overcome any delays in travel or baggage issues that may occur en route. Unfortunately, due to the specialized nature of this itinerary we can not delay the vessel’s departure due to travel related issues.

You are required to have a valid passport and have proof of return or onward ticket. Depending upon your citizenship, you might also be required to obtain a visa. Please contact your local Embassy or Consulate for your destination. US citizens do not need a visa but do need to travel with passports that are valid for 6 months after your departure date. Please see below about the required tourist card.

Visitors who do not obtain a Dominican visa prior to entry must purchase a tourist card upon arrival to enter the country. Tourist cards cost $10 U.S., which must be paid in cash (US dollars). Tourist cards are purchased at Dominican airports at the time of entry. Tourist cards normally permit a legal stay of up to 60 days. Customs formalities are usually quick and trouble free. Tourists are allowed personal articles for use during their stay. These include items of personal adornment, apparel, toiletries and portable articles that someone can reasonably be expected to use during their stay.

The Dominican Republic is a major tourist destination, and the north coast areas of Puerto Plata, Playa Dorada, Cabarete and Sosua abound with all levels of accommodation. A brief search of internet travel search engines will quickly yield dozens of options. We are happy to offer suggestions, please feel free to contact us for more information regarding accommodations.

Once in the DR, guests have two options for ground transportation: local cab or pre-arranged transfer. For small parties of 2-3, local taxis are efficient and cost-effective. At the airport, assertive but polite porters will, with your permission, help you to the curbside where professional taxis stand by. Gratuities of a dollar a bag for the porter are appreciated. Taxi fares to all popular destinations are clearly posted at the taxi stand.

Another option is to pre-arrange a transfer through a transportation company. In this case, a uniformed driver will identify himself by holding a sign with your name on it. The van will then carry you to your destination. This can be very economical for groups of 3 guests or more. Our staff is happy to help you coordinate the most efficient and cost-effective means of ground transfer, contact us for further assistance.

Any ship’s store purchases aboard the M/V Sea Hunter, equipment rental fees, and email or phone charges must be settled onboard using cash or credit cards prior to departure. In addition, Conscious Breath Adventures (CBA) offers video and photo compilations documenting your week on the Silver Bank for sale, as well as souvenir t-shirts. Acceptable methods of payment for CBA merchandise include U.S. Dollars, Traveler’s Checks, and personal checks drawn from US banks but no credit cards. Crew gratuities are not included and can be paid to the vessel by cash or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) but cash is strongly preferred as a significant percentage is deducted from credit card payments for processing expenses. As a guideline a gratuity of 10% of the fare is customary.

Once the vessel leaves the marina there is no internet access available. The vessel does have a proprietary satellite e-mail system but there is no web-browsing capability. If guests would like to have email access, for a fee they can set up an onboard account to send and receive text-only communications but it is not possible to check personal accounts such as _@gmail.com, _@hotmail.com, _@yahoo.com, etc.

Cell phone service might be available to you when you are ashore in the Dominican Republic. Check your carrier’s plan and be sure to turn off international roaming services to avoid hefty charges. You may have service ashore but there is NO CELL PHONE service once we leave the marina. The vessel is equipped with satellite-based phone and email for emergency communications.

WE RECOMMEND BRINGING AS MANY OF THESE ESSENTIALS IN YOUR CARRY-ON BAGGAGE AS POSSIBLE

Passport: be sure to check the expiration date when placing a reservation
Prescription medications/medical supplies: (There are no pharmacies on the Silver Bank; carry essential medicines in your carry-on baggage on the plane.)
Snorkel
Mask
Fins
Bathing suit
Wet Suit: (2mm – 3mm should keep you warm enough unless you are sensitive to cold)

Humpback whale season is late winter to early spring and the weather may be cool and windy during the passage of stronger cold fronts, but the coral formations throughout the area provide us with plenty of protection from rough seas while at the mooring. Once moored, the movement of the vessel is minimal. The nights are cool, around 70F – 75F (21C – 24C) but during the day the temperature can warm to 85F (30C). Days are generally sunny to partly cloudy, rain is uncommon but possible during fronts. The water temperature ranges from 72F -80F (22C-26C). Please note that sanctuary rules prohibit any whale watching activities from the tenders when winds exceed 25mph.

Attire aboard is tropical casual, with the only dressier occasion being the final Friday night when guests dine ashore, but even that evening is casual. Below is a suggested packing list. Please remember that it is easier for everyone if you travel light.

FOOTWEAR: Sandals and a pair of lightweight walking shoes will do the job.

PANTS: A pair of jeans or light trousers will suffice.

SHORTS: A couple of pairs of fast-drying shorts, suitable to wear on the tenders.

SHIRTS: A handful of t-shirts, some short-sleeved, some long. One or two nicer shirts for dining and ashore.

SWEATSHIRT/LIGHT JACKET/WARM CAP: It can be cool in the evenings when the breeze blows.

LIGHTWEIGHT WINDBREAKER/RAINCOAT: Lightweight waterproof outerwear is recommended to help keep you warm and dry on the tenders on those days when the wind, waves, and spray might be up.

BATHING SUIT(S): One to wear, one as spare.

TOILETRIES: While each cabin’s head comes with soap, shampoo, and conditioner dispensers, we recommend bringing your own personal toiletries.

“What are some highly recommended niceties?”

POLARIZED SUNGLASSES: Polarized sunglasses will help you see through the water’s surface glare and see the whales much better.

BROAD BRIMMED HAT: For sun protection, with a chinstrap for breezy days.

DRY BAG: A small dry bag for use on the tenders to hold any sensitive personal gear, cameras, spare dry clothes, windbreaker, etc. Found at dive shops.

SNORKEL BAG: A compact bag for snorkel gear, to help keep it organized aboard the boats. A large mesh bag is simple, inexpensive, and highly effective. Found at dive shops.

CAMERAS: Still or video, surface, and/or underwater: photography/videography opportunities on the Silver Bank are exceptional! Whether it is a professional level DSLR, or a single-use point and shoot, an HD camera, or a handy cam, for use above or below the water’s surface, bring it. Ample dry storage for topside cameras is available aboard the tenders. Don’t forget the batteries, chargers, memory cards & readers, etc.

PERSONAL TOWEL: A synthetic chamois or microfiber mini camping towel: Great to carry on the tenders, they are compact and durable and will allow you to dry yourself off quickly after you get out of the water, which will help you to stay warm. They are also useful to wipe your hands before handling your camera.

BINOCULARS: A small pair of field glasses might be nice, especially while relaxing on M/V Sea Hunter between tender excursions. Whales are often seen near the boat.

LEISURE ITEMS: Although there is a selection of books, movies, and music aboard, you may want to bring some of your own. There is an entertainment center at your disposal.

Under regulations set forth by the Dominican Republic’s Dept. of the Interior and Parks Dept., no scuba diving is permitted in the Sanctuary for the Marine Mammals of the Dominican Republic except under special permit. These permits are generally only granted to researchers and/or film crews for specific projects.

Professional photographers and videographers working in the sanctuary must identify themselves as such and undergo a separate application and permitting process with the Dominican authorities governing the Sanctuary. Any additional required fees are the responsibility of the person or persons making the application. Contact us for more information.

There is no upper age limit but the guest is responsible for determining their own fitness to participate. Please contact us if you have any questions. We welcome children aboard as they are the stewards of the future, but there are limited recreational activities onboard and we remain offshore the entire week so please be sure your child will be interested and engaged for the duration of the cruise. Some general policies regarding minors are as follows:

minimum age 8, with the above conditions considered
all cabins are double occupancy only, three to a room is not permitted
a parent must berth with the minor child
the child must be supervised/accompanied at all times

The M/V Sea Hunter typically returns to port Friday afternoon around 4:30 p.m. Lunch will be served onboard underway and upon arrival in Cofresi, passengers will be at their leisure to relax onboard or stretch their legs ashore. You will be invited to convene for hors d’oevres at 6 pm to enjoy a presentation of the week’s best video and photos. Dinner will be ashore at your expense on Friday evening; usually, a group will dine together at a nearby local restaurant. You may stay onboard Friday night or disembark for a local hotel. Final disembarkation will occur Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m. after a continental breakfast.

The M/V Sea Hunter crew is trained in first aid and accident management. The vessel is equipped with a complete first aid kit. Since emergency transportation and treatment cost is the responsibility of each passenger, we strongly recommend that you obtain special insurance to cover these costs, if they should arise.

If someone ashore must contact you in the event of an emergency while the vessel is on the Silver Bank, please contact us right away by calling (239) 248-7101 at any hour so that we can be informed and help with the situation.

Cell phone service might be available to you when you are in the marina in Cofresi but there is NO CELL PHONE service once we leave the marina. The M/V Sea Hunter is equipped with satellite-based phone and email for emergency communications.

You must arrive at least one night prior to the departure date.

Costa Rica has two international airports. For optimum convenience, we recommend that you fly directly to San José (SJO) rather than the more distant Liberia International Airport.

Pack lightly since you will be dressing for warm tropical weather. Please check with your airline for weight allowances and baggage policies. Airlines have ever-changing baggage limitations that can affect divers and photographers, so always check for updates on regulations.

Currently, Costa Rican customs places no limitation upon entering the country with personal equipment such as diving gear, cameras and video equipment or even computers meant for personal use. However, we do recommend that if you are carrying excessive amounts of equipment or professional gear, you simply declare that gear to customs.

All passengers must have a valid passport to enter Costa Rica. Most U.S., Canadian, EU and Japanese citizens do not require a visa. If in doubt we recommend checking with the nearest Costa Rican consulate to see if you will need a visa.

Please note, if you are traveling to Costa Rica from some South American countries then you will need to have a yellow-fever vaccination prior to traveling in order to enter Costa Rica.

Upon arrival in San Jose, you may take a taxi to your hotel. There are always taxis available at the airport and minivans for those of you who have a lot of gear. We can also arrange for your airport pickup as well as for accommodations at several fine hotels in San Jose. The night before departure, an Undersea Hunter/Fiesta Tours representative will inform you at your hotel of your precise pickup time for transport to our dock and your awaiting vessel. Please note that we only pick up from a set list of San Jose hotels to go down to the vessels. The evenings on shore are at your leisure. Hotel nights and meals before and after the cruise are not included in the charter.

Please note that we only pick up from a set list of San Jose hotels to go down to the vessels. On the day of departure to Cocos, generally between 8 AM and 1 PM, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred by Fiesta Tours to Puntarenas, the seaport village where you will board the vessel. The drive takes about 3 hours, including a stop on the way for a snack or lunch. The price of this meal is not included in your trip package. The ride will give you an opportunity to view some of the lush tropical forests and rich farmlands of the region.

At the end of your Cocos adventure, you will usually disembark the boat at 8 AM and be transferred back to your hotel in San Jose. The transfer takes approximately 2 hours, give or take.

If, for some reason, you should need travel to or from Puntarenas, other than the by the transport offered by the Undersea Hunter Group, a taxi service is, of course, available. The cost of independent transportation can run in excess of $100 one-way.

While you are here in Costa Rica, it is certainly worth the extra time to experience some of the other aspects of our little country that truly make it a natural wonderland. Active volcanoes, white water rafting, zip-line tours, mountain biking, pristine jungles, coffee plantations, horseback riding, visits to craft centers and of course some of the most beautiful beaches in the world are among the activities and destinations available to you here. After all, you’ve come this far! We would be happy to arrange one-day tours or longer trips to more remote areas, at your request. Only Costa-Rican approved companies recommended by USHG will operate these tours.

Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken within regions associated with tourism.

Colones are the national currency, with $1 US equal to approximately ¢545 (colones) as of June 2014. International credit cards and US dollars are widely accepted in regions associated with tourism.

Hotels and banks will exchange US Dollars for Costa Rican colones. US dollars as well as Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted on the vessels. We cannot accept personal checks or travelers checks onboard.

We recommend checking the CDC’s website for the latest health news and information

We strongly recommend staying one night after the return to land, in case of any unforeseen delays.

There is currently a departure tax of $29 US as of October 2017.

Cocos Island presents the same diving challenges as any other Pacific, Indian, or Red Sea diving location. Cocos, however, is not recommended for inexperienced divers because it is an open ocean destination that requires advanced open water diving skills.

Please note, the minimum required level of certification to dive at Cocos is Open Water with the Specialty of Deep Diver. We also recommend having a minimum of 25 hours of diving experience.

Most dives are at depths deeper than 60 feet / 18 meters. At Cocos currents and visibility can be entirely different in just a few hours. Please note, the dive guide will always be the final authority as to whether a passenger can do any specific dive.

Most of the action is at 60-90 feet /18-27 meters, and most dives are between 60-130 feet / 18-40 meters. The safety limit is set at 130 feet / 40 meters and a dive computer is necessary. Visibility averages 60-100ft/18-30m.

Average temperature is 79 F to 84 F (26 C to 29 C), although it can be a few degrees lower under the occasional thermocline.

All divers must bring proof of certification by a national certifying agency. The certification must allow the diver to dive to the recreational dive limit of 130 feet (40 meters). The Dive Master will request to see your certification before you are allowed to dive. If you are certified for Nitrox and rebreathers as well, then remember to also bring those certifications.

To increase safety and bottom time while maintaining safe non-decompression dives the use of Nitrox is recommended. The vessel offers full onboard TDI training in Nitrox, with rental of Nitrox computers. Nitrox fills are free for Nitrox certified divers.

Please check directly with our office if you are bringing a rebreather with you. We can supply you with tanks, scrubber material and any further assistance you need, and can provide you with the costs of these items.

Please note, at this time we are no longer teaching the rebreather course and we do not have any units available to rent. Check for further rebreather information on this website at PRICES & SCHEDULES – Rental Gear

When all passengers are boarded, the vessel will take 32-36 hours to reach Cocos Island. Crossings are normally calm, but to prevent motion sickness we advise you to take the necessary precautions. At the conclusion of your trip, we will return to Puntarenas where a bus will be waiting to return you to your San Jose hotel.

You will need the following gear: 5-7 mm wetsuit, mask, fins, snorkel, regulator with visible pressure gauge, a mandatory dive computer, buoyancy compensator, depth gauge, dive gloves, weight belt (without weights), a dive light, and dive watch. It is recommended that you mark each piece of gear with waterproof paint or tape. We suggest you put all or most of the above items in a carry-on bag. There is ample storage space for your diving equipment, including your own personal locker.

We provide you with weights for your weight belt: 2, 3, 4, and 6 lbs. (1, 1.5, 2 and 3 kilos). We also provide you with air or Nitrox tanks — 80 cubic ft. aluminum (12 liters).

Please note, our tanks are standard yoke (INT), not DIN. Please notify our offices in advance if you need an adaptor.

You can rent a complete line of ScubaPro dive gear: BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, fins, snorkel, and Aladin Nitrox dive computers.

We have a limited supply of 15 Liter steel tanks. If you would like to rent one, make sure to reserve it well ahead of time.

The menu aboard offers a delicious combination of International and local cuisine. Meals are varied and well balanced, and we also offer delicious snacks between dives. Food is abundant with plenty of fresh tropical fruit and salads and is served buffet style. Please let us know of any special dietary needs or requests, but try to be lenient, as storage and preparation space is limited.

Soft drinks: Free, Bottle of wine: $15 – $35.

Hard liquor is not available onboard but our guests are welcome to bring their own, which should be purchased prior to boarding.

We recommend casual and cool cotton attire while on board. Nights can be chilly and/or drizzly so bringing a sweater, light jacket or windbreaker is recommended. In San Jose dress is slightly more conservative, like long jeans and collared shirts. For women, we recommend holding off wearing shorts and beach type clothing till you are aboard the vessel. We suggest packing in a soft duffel bag for easy luggage storage. Booties or hiking shoes are recommended if you want to visit the island.

We will usually make one or two visits to the island itself during a trip.

The Argo, and Sea Hunter crews consist of a unique combination of talents, offering the ultimate in service. The Undersea Hunter has a crew of seven, while the Sea Hunter and the Argo have a crew of eight. The divemasters, deckhands, and skiff drivers make sure you have the best possible diving adventure, while the chef and steward prepare delicious meals and take care of all your needs on board.

The vessels maintain constant radio contact in the event of any emergency. Your family and friends can contact our office at telephone: +506-2228-6535. We are happy to let family and friends know how you are when they call our office.

Our main office is open 9.00 – 17.00 Costa Rican time Monday – Friday (except for national holidays). Outside of those hours, our emergency contact number is +506-8735-2392 (please leave a message if necessary).

Please understand, however, that you will be in a remote area and it is preferable that personal communications to the boat be limited to emergency use only. We also now keep a satellite phone on board, which costs $3.50 per minute.

Cocos Island is now equipped with a cellular phone tower, as well as a public phone. When in closer proximity to the Island at certain locations (assuming your cell phone works in Costa Rica), it is possible to use your cellular phone services, but keep in mind, it is still an international call. Do keep in mind that in general, it is difficult to get a good signal at the island.

The vessels have both 110 and 220 volts ac. The cabins have 110 volts ac only.

The vessels have standard US and European sockets (but not British style sockets).

There is a variety of nightly entertainment available onboard: slide shows, DVDs, music, games, and much more. Please feel free to bring along your favorites.

Since it is customary to tip crew members, many people ask us what tip amount is appropriate. This is a very personal decision, as tips are your way of expressing satisfaction. Generally, the tip is given to the captain who distributes it equally amongst the crew. Please note that we do not dictate or include tips.

We have a well-equipped first aid kit including oxygen on-board. You should bring anti-seasickness medicine and ear drops if you feel you will need them.

Please inform us and especially the dive guides if you are taking medication or suffer from allergies.

Life rings are located on either side of the boat, and life jackets for all passengers are located in the lockers on both sides of the sun deck. Fire extinguishers are located in the hallways leading to your cabins. Emergency exit from the aft passenger cabins is possible through an overhead hatch above the doors of cabins 7 and 8. The emergency exit for the forward passenger area is through a door in cabin 4 and up the stairs in the engine room.

The nearest Re-compression Chamber is in the capital of Costa Rica, San Jose, about 36 hours sailing from Cocos, the implications of which are obvious.

Smoking is strictly prohibited throughout the boat, each boat has a designated location on the sundeck if one wishes to smoke.

Conscious Breath Adventures strongly recommends each guest purchase comprehensive accident, medical, baggage and trip cancellation/interruption insurance. Trip insurance will protect you from financial disappointment if you are prevented from making your scheduled trip due to unforeseen illness, delays in transit, or in the event that unforeseen circumstances prevent the vessel from making its scheduled trip. In an event where it is necessary to cancel or interrupt a charter due to weather or any matter beyond the control of the servicing vessel and therefore Conscious Breath Adventures, there will be no refund or credit issued. We also recommend diving accident insurance, which provides coverage while snorkeling and will cover evacuation costs in the event of an emergency. One important note: some travel insurance companies cover snorkeling in their policies. Read your policy carefully, if snorkeling is a covered activity then additional dive insurance may not be necessary. See www.CSATtravelProtection.com; www.TravelGuard.com; www.DiversAlertNetwork.org; www.DiveAssure.com.

In the Dominican Republic, the currency is the Dominican Peso, but U.S. dollars and credit cards are widely accepted. Unless you will be staying in the Dominican Republic for an extended visit, it is not necessary to exchange U.S. dollars to pesos. Be sure to know the currency exchange rate before arriving. Once aboard, cash US$ and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) can be used to pay vessel-related costs such as crew gratuity; while cash is needed to pay Conscious Breath Adventures-related costs such as merchandise.

Expenses related to the M/V Sea Hunter, such as gratuity, fuel surcharge, and purchases from the onboard ship’s store can be paid via cash U.S. dollars or with Visa, MasterCard or American Express. Expenses related to Conscious Breath Adventures, such as photo & video discs or CBA apparel, can be paid via cash U.S. dollars or Dominican pesos, or by personal checks drawn on U.S banks.

Our port of embarkation for your journey to the Silver Bank is the Cofresi Beach area a few miles west of the gateway city of Puerto Plata on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. We sail from Ocean World Marina, the only full-service marina on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. A tourist destination featuring an adventure park, restaurant and casino, Ocean World Marina is where your transportation will deliver you to board the vessel on Saturday afternoon, and where you will disembark at the end of your adventure.

It is anticipated that all passengers will arrive in the Dominican Republic by air. In Puerto Plata, the Gregorio Luperon International Airport (airport code POP) is closest to the Ocean World Marina. Transport from the airport to Cofresi should take about 30 minutes, less to area hotels. Another option is Cibao International Airport, located in Santiago (airport code STI). Transport from Santiago to Cofresi is about 90 minutes. Be advised that since airfares and flight times can vary significantly between POP and STI, you should investigate both options keeping in mind the differences in costs for ground transportation. Other international airports are available but will add significantly to surface travel time and expense, be sure of where your airport is located relative to the marina.

Guests board the vessel Saturday afternoon at 5:00pm. We recommend that if you will be flying from, or connecting through, any airport that may be affected by winter weather, or are arriving from outside of North America, you should consider arriving at least one day before embarkation, on Friday or before. This will allow time to overcome any delays in travel or baggage issues that may occur en route. Unfortunately, due to the specialized nature of this itinerary we can not delay the vessel’s departure due to travel related issues.

You are required to have a valid passport and have proof of return or onward ticket. Depending upon your citizenship, you might also be required to obtain a visa. Please contact your local Embassy or Consulate for your destination. US citizens do not need a visa but do need to travel with passports that are valid for 6 months after your departure date. Please see below about the required tourist card.

Visitors who do not obtain a Dominican visa prior to entry must purchase a tourist card upon arrival to enter the country. Tourist cards cost $10 U.S., which must be paid in cash (US dollars). Tourist cards are purchased at Dominican airports at the time of entry. Tourist cards normally permit a legal stay of up to 60 days. Customs formalities are usually quick and trouble free. Tourists are allowed personal articles for use during their stay. These include items of personal adornment, apparel, toiletries and portable articles that someone can reasonably be expected to use during their stay.

The Dominican Republic is a major tourist destination, and the north coast areas of Puerto Plata, Playa Dorada, Cabarete and Sosua abound with all levels of accommodation. A brief search of internet travel search engines will quickly yield dozens of options. We are happy to offer suggestions, please feel free to contact us for more information regarding accommodations.

Once in the DR, guests have two options for ground transportation: local cab or pre-arranged transfer. For small parties of 2-3, local taxis are efficient and cost-effective. At the airport, assertive but polite porters will, with your permission, help you to the curbside where professional taxis stand by. Gratuities of a dollar a bag for the porter are appreciated. Taxi fares to all popular destinations are clearly posted at the taxi stand.

Another option is to pre-arrange a transfer through a transportation company. In this case, a uniformed driver will identify himself by holding a sign with your name on it. The van will then carry you to your destination. This can be very economical for groups of 3 guests or more. Our staff is happy to help you coordinate the most efficient and cost-effective means of ground transfer, contact us for further assistance.

Any ship’s store purchases aboard the M/V Sea Hunter, equipment rental fees, and email or phone charges must be settled onboard using cash or credit cards prior to departure. In addition, Conscious Breath Adventures (CBA) offers video and photo compilations documenting your week on the Silver Bank for sale, as well as souvenir t-shirts. Acceptable methods of payment for CBA merchandise include U.S. Dollars, Traveler’s Checks, and personal checks drawn from US banks but no credit cards. Crew gratuities are not included and can be paid to the vessel by cash or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) but cash is strongly preferred as a significant percentage is deducted from credit card payments for processing expenses. As a guideline a gratuity of 10% of the fare is customary.

Once the vessel leaves the marina there is no internet access available. The vessel does have a proprietary satellite e-mail system but there is no web-browsing capability. If guests would like to have email access, for a fee they can set up an onboard account to send and receive text-only communications but it is not possible to check personal accounts such as _@gmail.com, _@hotmail.com, _@yahoo.com, etc.

Cell phone service might be available to you when you are ashore in the Dominican Republic. Check your carrier’s plan and be sure to turn off international roaming services to avoid hefty charges. You may have service ashore but there is NO CELL PHONE service once we leave the marina. The vessel is equipped with satellite-based phone and email for emergency communications.

WE RECOMMEND BRINGING AS MANY OF THESE ESSENTIALS IN YOUR CARRY-ON BAGGAGE AS POSSIBLE

Passport: be sure to check the expiration date when placing a reservation
Prescription medications/medical supplies: (There are no pharmacies on the Silver Bank; carry essential medicines in your carry-on baggage on the plane.)
Snorkel
Mask
Fins
Bathing suit
Wet Suit: (2mm – 3mm should keep you warm enough unless you are sensitive to cold)

Humpback whale season is late winter to early spring and the weather may be cool and windy during the passage of stronger cold fronts, but the coral formations throughout the area provide us with plenty of protection from rough seas while at the mooring. Once moored, the movement of the vessel is minimal. The nights are cool, around 70F – 75F (21C – 24C) but during the day the temperature can warm to 85F (30C). Days are generally sunny to partly cloudy, rain is uncommon but possible during fronts. The water temperature ranges from 72F -80F (22C-26C). Please note that sanctuary rules prohibit any whale watching activities from the tenders when winds exceed 25mph.

Attire aboard is tropical casual, with the only dressier occasion being the final Friday night when guests dine ashore, but even that evening is casual. Below is a suggested packing list. Please remember that it is easier for everyone if you travel light.

FOOTWEAR: Sandals and a pair of lightweight walking shoes will do the job.

PANTS: A pair of jeans or light trousers will suffice.

SHORTS: A couple of pairs of fast-drying shorts, suitable to wear on the tenders.

SHIRTS: A handful of t-shirts, some short-sleeved, some long. One or two nicer shirts for dining and ashore.

SWEATSHIRT/LIGHT JACKET/WARM CAP: It can be cool in the evenings when the breeze blows.

LIGHTWEIGHT WINDBREAKER/RAINCOAT: Lightweight waterproof outerwear is recommended to help keep you warm and dry on the tenders on those days when the wind, waves, and spray might be up.

BATHING SUIT(S): One to wear, one as spare.

TOILETRIES: While each cabin’s head comes with soap, shampoo, and conditioner dispensers, we recommend bringing your own personal toiletries.

“What are some highly recommended niceties?”

POLARIZED SUNGLASSES: Polarized sunglasses will help you see through the water’s surface glare and see the whales much better.

BROAD BRIMMED HAT: For sun protection, with a chinstrap for breezy days.

DRY BAG: A small dry bag for use on the tenders to hold any sensitive personal gear, cameras, spare dry clothes, windbreaker, etc. Found at dive shops.

SNORKEL BAG: A compact bag for snorkel gear, to help keep it organized aboard the boats. A large mesh bag is simple, inexpensive, and highly effective. Found at dive shops.

CAMERAS: Still or video, surface, and/or underwater: photography/videography opportunities on the Silver Bank are exceptional! Whether it is a professional level DSLR, or a single-use point and shoot, an HD camera, or a handy cam, for use above or below the water’s surface, bring it. Ample dry storage for topside cameras is available aboard the tenders. Don’t forget the batteries, chargers, memory cards & readers, etc.

PERSONAL TOWEL: A synthetic chamois or microfiber mini camping towel: Great to carry on the tenders, they are compact and durable and will allow you to dry yourself off quickly after you get out of the water, which will help you to stay warm. They are also useful to wipe your hands before handling your camera.

BINOCULARS: A small pair of field glasses might be nice, especially while relaxing on M/V Sea Hunter between tender excursions. Whales are often seen near the boat.

LEISURE ITEMS: Although there is a selection of books, movies, and music aboard, you may want to bring some of your own. There is an entertainment center at your disposal.

Under regulations set forth by the Dominican Republic’s Dept. of the Interior and Parks Dept., no scuba diving is permitted in the Sanctuary for the Marine Mammals of the Dominican Republic except under special permit. These permits are generally only granted to researchers and/or film crews for specific projects.

Professional photographers and videographers working in the sanctuary must identify themselves as such and undergo a separate application and permitting process with the Dominican authorities governing the Sanctuary. Any additional required fees are the responsibility of the person or persons making the application. Contact us for more information.

There is no upper age limit but the guest is responsible for determining their own fitness to participate. Please contact us if you have any questions. We welcome children aboard as they are the stewards of the future, but there are limited recreational activities onboard and we remain offshore the entire week so please be sure your child will be interested and engaged for the duration of the cruise. Some general policies regarding minors are as follows:

minimum age 8, with the above conditions considered
all cabins are double occupancy only, three to a room is not permitted
a parent must berth with the minor child
the child must be supervised/accompanied at all times

The M/V Sea Hunter typically returns to port Friday afternoon around 4:30 p.m. Lunch will be served onboard underway and upon arrival in Cofresi, passengers will be at their leisure to relax onboard or stretch their legs ashore. You will be invited to convene for hors d’oevres at 6 pm to enjoy a presentation of the week’s best video and photos. Dinner will be ashore at your expense on Friday evening; usually, a group will dine together at a nearby local restaurant. You may stay onboard Friday night or disembark for a local hotel. Final disembarkation will occur Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m. after a continental breakfast.

The M/V Sea Hunter crew is trained in first aid and accident management. The vessel is equipped with a complete first aid kit. Since emergency transportation and treatment cost is the responsibility of each passenger, we strongly recommend that you obtain special insurance to cover these costs, if they should arise.

If someone ashore must contact you in the event of an emergency while the vessel is on the Silver Bank, please contact us right away by calling (239) 248-7101 at any hour so that we can be informed and help with the situation.

Cell phone service might be available to you when you are in the marina in Cofresi but there is NO CELL PHONE service once we leave the marina. The M/V Sea Hunter is equipped with satellite-based phone and email for emergency communications.

You must arrive at least one night prior to the departure date.

Costa Rica has two international airports. For optimum convenience, we recommend that you fly directly to San José (SJO) rather than the more distant Liberia International Airport.

Pack lightly since you will be dressing for warm tropical weather. Please check with your airline for weight allowances and baggage policies. Airlines have ever-changing baggage limitations that can affect divers and photographers, so always check for updates on regulations.

Currently, Costa Rican customs places no limitation upon entering the country with personal equipment such as diving gear, cameras and video equipment or even computers meant for personal use. However, we do recommend that if you are carrying excessive amounts of equipment or professional gear, you simply declare that gear to customs.

All passengers must have a valid passport to enter Costa Rica. Most U.S., Canadian, EU and Japanese citizens do not require a visa. If in doubt we recommend checking with the nearest Costa Rican consulate to see if you will need a visa.

Please note, if you are traveling to Costa Rica from some South American countries then you will need to have a yellow-fever vaccination prior to traveling in order to enter Costa Rica.

Upon arrival in San Jose, you may take a taxi to your hotel. There are always taxis available at the airport and minivans for those of you who have a lot of gear. We can also arrange for your airport pickup as well as for accommodations at several fine hotels in San Jose. The night before departure, an Undersea Hunter/Fiesta Tours representative will inform you at your hotel of your precise pickup time for transport to our dock and your awaiting vessel. Please note that we only pick up from a set list of San Jose hotels to go down to the vessels. The evenings on shore are at your leisure. Hotel nights and meals before and after the cruise are not included in the charter.

Please note that we only pick up from a set list of San Jose hotels to go down to the vessels. On the day of departure to Cocos, generally between 8 AM and 1 PM, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred by Fiesta Tours to Puntarenas, the seaport village where you will board the vessel. The drive takes about 3 hours, including a stop on the way for a snack or lunch. The price of this meal is not included in your trip package. The ride will give you an opportunity to view some of the lush tropical forests and rich farmlands of the region.

At the end of your Cocos adventure, you will usually disembark the boat at 8 AM and be transferred back to your hotel in San Jose. The transfer takes approximately 2 hours, give or take.

If, for some reason, you should need travel to or from Puntarenas, other than the by the transport offered by the Undersea Hunter Group, a taxi service is, of course, available. The cost of independent transportation can run in excess of $100 one-way.

While you are here in Costa Rica, it is certainly worth the extra time to experience some of the other aspects of our little country that truly make it a natural wonderland. Active volcanoes, white water rafting, zip-line tours, mountain biking, pristine jungles, coffee plantations, horseback riding, visits to craft centers and of course some of the most beautiful beaches in the world are among the activities and destinations available to you here. After all, you’ve come this far! We would be happy to arrange one-day tours or longer trips to more remote areas, at your request. Only Costa-Rican approved companies recommended by USHG will operate these tours.

Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken within regions associated with tourism.

Colones are the national currency, with $1 US equal to approximately ¢545 (colones) as of June 2014. International credit cards and US dollars are widely accepted in regions associated with tourism.

Hotels and banks will exchange US Dollars for Costa Rican colones. US dollars as well as Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted on the vessels. We cannot accept personal checks or travelers checks onboard.

We recommend checking the CDC’s website for the latest health news and information

We strongly recommend staying one night after the return to land, in case of any unforeseen delays.

There is currently a departure tax of $29 US as of October 2017.

Cocos Island presents the same diving challenges as any other Pacific, Indian, or Red Sea diving location. Cocos, however, is not recommended for inexperienced divers because it is an open ocean destination that requires advanced open water diving skills.

Please note, the minimum required level of certification to dive at Cocos is Open Water with the Specialty of Deep Diver. We also recommend having a minimum of 25 hours of diving experience.

Most dives are at depths deeper than 60 feet / 18 meters. At Cocos currents and visibility can be entirely different in just a few hours. Please note, the dive guide will always be the final authority as to whether a passenger can do any specific dive.

Most of the action is at 60-90 feet /18-27 meters, and most dives are between 60-130 feet / 18-40 meters. The safety limit is set at 130 feet / 40 meters and a dive computer is necessary. Visibility averages 60-100ft/18-30m.

Average temperature is 79 F to 84 F (26 C to 29 C), although it can be a few degrees lower under the occasional thermocline.

All divers must bring proof of certification by a national certifying agency. The certification must allow the diver to dive to the recreational dive limit of 130 feet (40 meters). The Dive Master will request to see your certification before you are allowed to dive. If you are certified for Nitrox and rebreathers as well, then remember to also bring those certifications.

To increase safety and bottom time while maintaining safe non-decompression dives the use of Nitrox is recommended. The vessel offers full onboard TDI training in Nitrox, with rental of Nitrox computers. Nitrox fills are free for Nitrox certified divers.

Please check directly with our office if you are bringing a rebreather with you. We can supply you with tanks, scrubber material and any further assistance you need, and can provide you with the costs of these items.

Please note, at this time we are no longer teaching the rebreather course and we do not have any units available to rent. Check for further rebreather information on this website at PRICES & SCHEDULES – Rental Gear

When all passengers are boarded, the vessel will take 32-36 hours to reach Cocos Island. Crossings are normally calm, but to prevent motion sickness we advise you to take the necessary precautions. At the conclusion of your trip, we will return to Puntarenas where a bus will be waiting to return you to your San Jose hotel.